WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA), a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today responded to a new report from the National Petroleum Council entitled “Facing the Hard Truths about Energy.” In the report the NPC recommends that the government increase fuel economy standards to the maximum rate that is economically feasible.

Rep. Markey said, “When a group that represents the oil and natural gas industry concludes that our cars and light trucks should use less oil, and in fact concludes that fuel economy standards could be doubled by 2030, it is difficult to understand why anyone would continue to oppose my fuel economy bill. This report joins a chorus of elected officials, national security, environmental, consumer and religious organizations, and scientific experts who all agree that a 4% annual increase in fuel economy standards is technologically and economically achievable.”