Schakowsky Applauds CAFE Standard Reform

Press Release

Schakowsky Applauds CAFE Standard Reform

Following President Barack Obama's announcement today to raise CAFE standards to 35.5 mpg with a yearly 5 percent increase in efficiency from 2012 through 2016, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-IL, released the following statement:

"I applaud the President's decision to speed up the timetable to reduce auto emissions and increase efficiency standards. It will bring us closer to the important goals of energy independence and a clean environment. The technologies that will be developed will create jobs in research and development, manufacturing, and sales."

The proposed national autos program adopts uniform federal standards to regulate both fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions while preserving the legal authorities of Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency and California. The program covers model year 2012 to model year 2016 and ultimately requires an average fuel economy standard of 35.5 mpg in 2016. The result is a projected reduction in oil consumption of approximately 1.8 billion barrels over the life of the program and a projected total reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 900 million metric tons. This groundbreaking policy is good for consumers, good for the auto industry and good for our country -- reducing pollution and promoting energy independence.

Ten car companies and the UAW have embraced the national program because it provides certainty and predictability to 2016 and includes flexibilities that will significantly reduce the cost of compliance. The program also honors President Obama's commitment to reconsider the denial of the California waiver by the Bush Administration.

Source