Kuhl Statement on Gasoline's Effect on Domestic Car Companies

Statement

Kuhl Statement on Gasoline's Effect On Domestic Car Companies

Today, U.S. Representative John R. "Randy" Kuhl, Jr. (R-Hammondsport) released the following statement after touring a car dealership in an effort to highlight the strain that the skyrocketing cost of gasoline is having on domestic car companies and retailers.

"Today, I had the opportunity to tour Farnsworth Chevrolet Cadillac car dealership to learn more about the dramatic effect that the skyrocketing cost of gasoline is having on domestic car companies and retailers. As the cost of gasoline soars toward $5 per gallon, an increasing number of consumers are looking for ways to save both fuel and money. As consumer fears about the trajectory of gas prices mounts, the American car industry has suffered. For the month of June, General Motor's sales decreased 18 percent, Ford decreased by 28 percent and Chrysler's sales are down 36 percent. And with a loss in revenue comes a loss in jobs for many hard working Americans. A new poll shows 9 out of 10 Americans say they are getting squeezed by rising gasoline prices and expect it to get worse during the next six months.

I am, however, encouraged by the increasingly fuel efficient vehicles being produced by domestic auto makers. General Motors now produces more automobiles that get 30 miles to the gallon on the highway than any other automaker in the world. We are seeing increases in the production of E85 vehicles, like the one I personally drive, and hybrid vehicles as well as the development of non-petroleum powered cars. This American ingenuity must continue and be encouraged by the federal government as part of achieving American independence from foreign oil. Additionally, we must work to increase the production of American-made energy in an environmentally-safe way. We must promote new, clean, and reliable sources of energy and work for the highest levels of fuel efficiency. I have supported raising the CAFÉ standards and firmly believe that we must invest in fuel efficient automobiles. We must also improve and invest in infrastructure to support these new forms of power to ensure their long term viability.

As we celebrate Independence Day tomorrow, we must work towards America's second Independence Day - the day we no longer rely on foreign oil to run our cars and our nation. That day is coming and we must faithfully continue our efforts to make sure that it is sooner than later."

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