Markey: New Rules Will Solve Fuel Economy Rubik's Cube
Chairman Markey Announces Hearing Examining New Rules
WASHINGTON (September 15, 2009) -- Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today praised the Obama administration for its swift issuance of proposed fuel economy rules to raise the national standards above 35 miles per gallon by 2016. Rep. Markey is co-author of the updated fuel economy standards adopted by Congress in 2007, a measure that required the federal government to raise standards for both cars and light trucks to a fleet-wide average of at least 35 miles per gallon and that the maximum feasible standard be set each year.
“These new fuel economy rules have finally solved the energy and environmental policy Rubik’s Cube that has kept the auto industry, states and environmentalists in a seemingly endless loop of litigation. Cash for Clunkers showed that there is intense consumer demand for fuel efficient vehicles. These new fuel economy standards will deliver those vehicles to showrooms across America for decades to come,” said Rep. Markey.
Markey announced today that he would soon hold an oversight hearing to review the new proposed fuel economy rule. Markey chairs the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming and the House Energy and Environment Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over fuel economy standards and tailpipe emissions standards.
The new standards would save 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the lifetime of the vehicles purchased during 2012-16 and would cut global warming pollution by 950 million metric tons of total carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. The vehicles purchased during those years would also save the average driver $3,000 in fuel costs over the life of the vehicle.
“As someone who has pushed for stronger fuel economy standards for decades, the difference between then and now is like being stuck in stop-and-go traffic and hitting every green light on your way home,” said Rep. Markey.
The Select Committee was active during the 110th and 111th Congresses. This is an archived version of the website, to ensure that the public has ongoing access to the Select Committee record. This website, including external links, will not be updated after Jan. 3rd, 2010.
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