For Immediate Release
March 13, 2002

Contact:
David Willett, 202-675-6698


Senate Throws Away Chance to Improve Fuel Economy

Washington, DC:  The Sierra Club expressed profound disappointment that the
Senate voted to do virtually nothing to improve automotive fuel economy.
Rather than voting to reduce America's dependence on oil, save consumers
money, and protect the environment, Senators passed a sham amendment
proposed by Senators Carl Levin (D-MI) and Kit Bond (R-MO).

The Senate voted for the irresponsible Levin-Bond amendment, which replaces
the Kerry (D-MA)-Hollings (D-SC) fuel economy provision, deepening our
dependence on foreign oil and doing nothing to improve automobile safety.

"The Senate is handing our nation's energy security over to the auto
industry," said Carl Pope, Executive Director of the Sierra Club.  "It's
unfortunate the Senate bowed to the pressure of the auto industry that
waged a campaign of fear and falsehoods. This vote means that after months
of bipartisan calls to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, the Senate is
instead voting to do virtually nothing."

The Levin-Bond amendment leaves the fuel economy and safety issue to the
Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) without providing them with a target for oil
savings. Levin-Bond also eliminates tougher safety rules for the auto
industry as required by Kerry-Hollings. NHTSA has failed to effectively
implement fuel economy regulations and enforce auto safety standards for
the last 25 years. The Administration's close ties to the auto-industry,
including Chief of Staff Andrew Card's previous position as chief lobbyist
for General Motors, are further indications that NHTSA will do little to
increase CAFE standards.

"The Senate ignored a chance to make real progress in reducing our oil
dependence, saving consumers money, and
cutting global warming pollution," continued Pope.  "The American people
demand better from our Senators than this irresponsible vote to elevate the
auto industry's short-term interests over Americans' safety and energy
security."

The Sierra Club is urging the Senate to take the opportunity to protect the
pristine Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and  increase use of electricity
from renewable sources like wind and solar power to 20 percent by 2020.



Erin Jordahl
Director, Iowa Chapter Sierra Club
3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280
Des Moines, IA 50310
515-277-8868
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