The Energy Independence Implications of the Auto Bailout Proposal

As Congress considers a multi-billion dollar program of loans to America’s auto industry, many measures of success or failure exist for the industry and the government’s attempts to help the automakers. Chief among those measures of success is how effectively America’s auto industry, and the industry as a whole, is transformed to build cars for the future that reduce our dependence on oil. Will the auto industry meet the fuel economy rules passed by Congress and signed into law nearly a year ago, which could revitalize the industry? Should American taxpayers expect even higher fuel economy performance in return for their investment of additional billions in loans? Do the auto companies’ plans impair their ability to meet the current fuel economy regime?

A panel of auto industry and fuel economy experts will discuss these issues and other energy implications of the automotive industry loan program at a hearing tomorrow before Chairman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. Chairman Markey authored the House language that became the current fuel economy standards of at least 35 mile per gallon by 2020.

WHAT: Select Committee hearing: “The Energy Independence Implications of the Auto Bailout Proposal.”

WHERE: 2175 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC

WHEN: Tuesday, December 9th, 2008, 10 AM

OPENING STATEMENT: Chairman Edward J. Markey

WITNESS LIST & TESTIMONY:
Ms. Joan Claybrook, President, Public Citizen
Mr. Reuben Munger, Chairman and Co-founder, Bright Automotive
Dr. Peter Morici, Professor of International Business, Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland
Mr. Geoff Wardle, Director of Advanced Mobility Research, Art Center College of Design
Mr. Richard Curless, Chief Technical Officer, MAG Industrial Automation Systems

Click here for full hearing transcript. 

VIDEO:

Full video archive of hearing.

 
Part 1 of Chairman Markey's question-and-answer period.

Part 2 of Chairman Markey's question-and-answer period.

Congressman Inslee's question-and-answer period.

PHOTOS:

Hearing participants pose after the Hearing concludes.

The panel testifies before the Committee

Members of the Committee question the witnesses.

Geoff Wardle testifies before the Committee

Joan Claybrook of Public Citizen

Reuben Munger testifies before the Committee.

Richard Curless testifies before the Committee.

Dr Peter Morici testifies before the Committee.

Return to Select Committee Hearing Testimony from the 110th Congress »