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Fuel Economy Legislation Introduced in Senate

8 June 2000

Fuel Economy Legislation Introduced in Senate

    WASHINGTON, June 8 The following is a statement by Josephine S. Cooper, 
President, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, in response to fuel economy 
legislation introduced today in the U.S. Senate:

    "Today, S. 2685, the 'Advanced Technology Motor Vehicle Fuel Economy Act
of 2000' was introduced by Senators Levin, Ashcroft, and Abraham.

    "Members of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers strongly support this
bill, which was introduced in the House on April 13.  This legislation would
foster technology advancements and fleet fuel economy increases through
consumer tax incentives and the flexible fuel vehicle credit, and it would
provide greater clarity to our public policy priorities through a
comprehensive study of fuel economy measures.

    "Some proponents of higher Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) have
called for an elimination of the current freeze, arguing that it would allow
the Department of Transportation (DOT) to study whether there is a need for
higher CAFE standards.  This is a misinterpretation of the debate.  The law
requires DOT to set new light truck fuel economy standards for each model
year.  The last year prior to the CAFE freeze, DOT suggested up to a 35%
increase in light truck standards.  The proposal to eliminate the freeze for a
'study' is really a requirement for higher light truck CAFE standards.

    "Since CAFE was enacted in 1975, many policies designed to increase energy
conservation have come and gone, with some more successful than others.
Meanwhile, our energy and economic situation has changed, along with American
lifestyles.  It's time to take a fresh look at current and future energy
conservation measures without limiting our study to CAFE alone.

    "If CAFE proponents really want a real study, they should join us in
supporting this legislation and its comprehensive study of energy conservation
initiatives."

    The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is a coalition of 13 car and
light truck manufacturers.  Alliance member companies have approximately
600,000 employees in the United States, with more than 250 facilities in 35
states.  Alliance members represent more than 90 percent of U.S. vehicle
sales.