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AAMA Reaction to Administration's Position on the Proposed UN Global Climate Treaty

22 October 1997

Statement by Andrew H. Card, Jr., President and CEO of the American Automobile Manufacturers Association, In Reaction to President Clinton's Announcement of the Administration's Position on the Proposed UN Global Climate Treaty

    WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 -- Andrew H. Card, Jr., President and CEO
of the American Automobile Manufacturers Association, made the following
statement in reaction to President Clinton's announcement of the
administration's position on the proposed UN global climate treaty.
    "Now that the White House has finally released its proposal, the national
debate can truly begin, Americans must now decide whether they are willing to
support a treaty that provides little or no environmental benefit, exempts 80
percent of the world's nations from any binding commitments, and forces the
U.S. to go on a strict energy diet that could raise the price of nearly
everything they buy.
    "We are deeply concerned that the Administration's proposal will erode the
competitiveness of U.S. industry, result in lost jobs, and diminish consumer
choice.  If adopted, the U.S. can expect soaring production costs and
significantly higher driving costs -- through rationing schemes, energy taxes
or other mechanisms with comparable effect.  Any treaty that does not require
the full participation of developing countries could put the U.S. at a major
competitive disadvantage.
    "America's Car Companies have worked hard to increase energy efficiency
and reduce carbon emissions -- and their efforts are paying off.  Since 1974,
new car fuel economy has doubled, while light truck fuel economy has increased
by 55 percent.  Chrysler, Ford and General Motors continue to work with the
government on new technologies through the Partnership for a New Generation of
Vehicles (PNGV).  But further advances will require breakthrough technology
that cannot be driven by a treaty timetable.
    "The U.S. Senate has already unanimously passed a resolution opposing a
treaty that lets the developing world off the hook and would put the U.S. at
an economic disadvantage.  The American people also will be hard pressed to
accept any treaty that doesn't improve our environment and exempts the
developing world from any specific commitments while resulting in higher
prices, lifestyle changes and job losses."

SOURCE  American Automobile Manufacturers Association