On the recordApril 6, 2011
The important thing about this amendment is that we reduce the demand for oil, which is the primary area where we are dependent upon OPEC countries. And to do that, we have tighter fuel efficiency standards. Without the Markey amendment, the EPA would not be able to continue with those tight fuel efficiency standards for motor vehicles, planes, et cetera. According to Lisa Jackson from the EPA, who testified before our committee, this bill ``would forfeit many hundreds of millions of barrels of oil savings at a time when gas prices are rising yet again.'' I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would vote to massively increase America's oil independence. I urge all Members to support the Markey amendment so we don't massively increase our oil dependence.
