Statement of Kevin S. Curtis, Senior Advocate for the PEW Campaign for Fuel Efficiency, on the Big Three's Efforts to Undermine Real Fuel Efficiency Standards

WASHINGTON, June 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Kevin S. Curtis, Senior Advocate for the PEW Campaign for Fuel Efficiency, issued the following statement on the Big Three's endorsement of a proposal by Sens. Levin (D-MI) and Bond (R-MO) to undermine the bi-partisan agreement by the Commerce Committee to increase fuel efficiency in cars and light trucks.

"No longer able to hold off action on fuel economy, Sen. Levin and the auto industry are now trying to weaken and delay long overdue mileage improvements. That's just a new coat of paint on their old position, and the public can see right through it.

"An industry built on American ingenuity has been reduced to fighting even modest efficiency increases. The Senate fuel economy compromise gives automakers flexibility to hit reasonable targets, while Levin's proposal lets them opt out of far weaker goals."