The first big vote on the Senate energy bill will take place Wednesday, March 13 around 11:30 eastern time. Here's basic information on the vote, which deals with our priority issue of mandating increases in fuel economy from cars and light trucks to save oil and protect the environment. . FIGHT THE LEVIN-BOND AMENDMENT to do next-to-nothing on miles per gallon standards. This is the first key vote on the energy bill, and we need to make our voices heard! The Senate will vote on the Levin-Bond amendment tomorrow, which will do nothing to reduce our dependence on oil, or cut the pollution that causes global warming. The Levin-Bond amendment also ignores improving safety standards for passenger vehicles. Our preferred alternative is the Kerry-McCain provision. This provision is a long-term vision for reducing our dependence on oil, and slashing heat-trapping global warming pollution. It would raise miles per gallon standards to an average of 35 mpg by 2015. This step would save us as much oil as we currently import from Iraq and Kuwait - one million barrels a day. Kerry-McCain would also improve roofcrush and rollover safety standards - and make passenger vehicles safer. Please alert your activist networks to call their Senators and encourage them to oppose Levin-Bond , and support Kerry-McCain. Please call the Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121, and ask for your Senators offices. Levin-Bond refers to the lead sponsors -- Sen. Carl Levin (MI) and Kit Bond (MO). Kerry-McCain is named for John Kerry (MA) and John McCain (AZ). For more information, contact Kate Simmons at 202-547-1141 or [log in to unmask] Thank you. Other amendments on issues like renewable energy and drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil development will come up later -- either next week or after the Holiday Recess. Erin Jordahl Director, Iowa Chapter Sierra Club 3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280 Des Moines, IA 50310 515-277-8868 [log in to unmask] [log in to unmask]