Merkley: National Gas Mileage Standard to Cut Household Costs, Reduce Pollution

Press Release

Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement in response to President Obama's announcement of national auto emission limits and a 35.5 miles per gallon efficiency standard by 2016:

"President Obama's announcement today of the most aggressive national gas mileage standards in decades is a welcome step forward in reviving our economy and reducing the pollution that causes global warming. Along with the renewed investment in mass transit and high speed rail, the Administration is showing a real commitment to reducing our dependence on foreign fuel and to saving Americans money at the gas pump.

"Better gas mileage means savings at the pump for Oregon families. It means more money in the pockets of families and less money sent to foreign oil producers. And it means we're unleashing American ingenuity and know-how to lead the world in the production of clean energy technology.

"While this is a sign of progress, we also must advance non-petroleum strategies that break our dependence on foreign oil. Already, companies in America are developing cars that will travel more than 30 miles solely on electricity. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate and the Obama administration to build on these new standards and work toward a future where every American can make their commute without using gasoline.

"Oregon established limits on global warming pollution from automobiles and SUVs in 2006, and it's encouraging to see our state's initiative translate into a major step toward a national clean energy economy under President Obama's leadership. With this announcement, more progress is being made in creating clean energy jobs in one day than occurred over the last eight years."

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