FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: March 14, 2002 Erin Jordahl, 515-277-8868 Senator Harkin Voted for Saving Oil, Senator Grassley Voted Against Senate Throws Away Chance to Improve Fuel Economy Des Moines, IA: The Iowa Chapter of the Sierra Club expressed mixed emotions on an energy amendment vote taken yesterday. Senator Harkin (D-IA) voted against a do-nothing amendment on increasing fuel economy for Americans cars and trucks. "Senator Harkin bravely stood up to the auto industry to say we should reduce our dependence on foreign oil," said Tom Mathews, Energy Committee Chair for the Iowa Chapter. "We're proud Senator Harkin voted to save millions of barrels of oil and create more jobs for American autoworkers." Senator Grassley (R-IA) voted for the amendment that will 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, the Senate passed an irresponsible amendment proposed by Senators Carl Levin (D-MI) and Kit Bond (R-MO). The Senator 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. "Senator Grassley missed a chance to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and instead voted to do virtually nothing," said Mathews. 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. It 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. "We hope that when they have the chance to vote on this again, the Senators will vote for safety, security and savings," Mathews said. Sierra Club members in Iowa are also urging the Senate to support protection of the pristine Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and an increase of reliance on 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]