US House of Representatives considers removing freeze on gas mileage standards.
19 May 2000
Washington, DC May 18 The US House of Representatives is expected to vote before their Memorial Day recess on whether or not to extend the current freeze on federal gas mileage standards. (known as the Corporate Average Fuel Economy or CAFE standards.) These standards were first enacted in 1975 to help conserve energy. Basically, the government sets mileage targets (CAFE Standards) annually for all cars sold in the US. Light trucks meet a separate target. The facts of automotive technology have pushed mileage targets higher. Many experts feel these mileage targets have virtually eliminated full-size passenger cars and station wagons (vehicles with traditionally lower fuel mileage) from the american markets. CAFE Standards have been one of the main influences on the American Auto Manufacturers' trend of smaller automobiles with higher fuel mileage. In the mid-80's, a strong US economy and stable supply of gas helped push consumer demand towards mid-size and luxury cars. The full-size cars, station wagons, and rear-wheel-drive models tended to disappear from the highways and showrooms. Consumers seeking hauling capacity and larger sized vehicles moved to light-truck lines including mini-vans and sport utility vehicles. In 1987, the Reagan Administration proposed a repeal of the CAFE laws under the grounds that they were harmful to US jobs and competition. Congress took no action. 1996 brought CAFE "freeze" legislation introduced in the US Senate as a bipartisan effort. That legislation was re-affirmed by congress in January 1999. In October 1999, President Clinton signed the DOT budget for FY 2000 which extended the CAFE freeze another year. Brian Yesowitch spoke with Diane Steed, President of The Coalition for Vehicle Choice. Click here to hear the interview. For more information on the upcoming Congressional CAFE decision you may visit www.vehiclechoice.org. Questions/Comments, email Brian at brian@theautochannel.com
