| For immediate release May 19, 2009 |
Contact: Erin Donar
202-225-3611
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| Kildee Statement on New National Fuel Economy Standard |
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| National Standard Will Provide Certainty to Automakers While Reducing Emissions |
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| Washington, D.C. – Today, President Barack Obama joined with automakers, governors, environmental leaders and federal agencies to announce plans to establish a single, national fuel economy standard. Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI), Co-Chair of the Congressional Automotive Caucus, released the following statement: “A national standard on fuel economy will bring welcome certainty to the domestic auto industry. For several years there has been a question of whether states or the Federal Government should regulate fuel economy, creating a patchwork of standards that made it more difficult for auto companies to plan product development. Today’s announcement provides the domestic industry with a clear national standard on fuel economy as well as a reasonable timetable to meet it. With certainly moving forward, our automakers will be able to bring the next generation of fuel-efficient vehicles to the American consumer more quickly and affordably. Not only will this benefit our auto makers, but stricter fuel economy standards will reduce carbon emissions, clean up our environment and help reduce our dependence on foreign oil. The health of the domestic auto industry is critical to the economic stability of our local communities, our state and our entire Nation. Today’s announcement is an important step towards ensuring the long-term viability and competitiveness of our domestic auto industry. I applaud President Obama for his leadership on this important issue and I look forward to working with him, our domestic automakers and other stakeholders on this initiative.” |
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