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 [log in to unmask] [log in to unmask]