Political Quotes

“I rise to oppose the Markey-Boehlert amendment to legislatively mandate increases in corporate average-fuel-economy standards. While I support the goal of improved fuel economy, this mandate is not the answer. Despite proposing significant CAFE increases in the amendment, the phase-in time is a little more than 2 model years. Furthermore, it takes away flexibility mechanisms that allow auto makers to respond to unexpected changes in consumer behavior. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is the appropriate venue for CAFE review. NHTSA must consider the safety trade-offs, utility impacts, and economic feasibility of any CAFE increase. The National Academy of Sciences outlines these trade-offs in its report released this week. It warned of overly ambitious CAFE increases with short implementation periods. NAS stated that quick significant increases would have a detrimental effect on vehicle safety and the health of the auto industry. If we adopt the Markey-Boehlert amendment, tens of thousands of jobs will be jeopardized as production plans are significantly disrupted. By comparison, the current bill takes the right approach by allowing NHTSA to determine the appropriate timetable and the appropriate fuel economy standard. The auto industry is the largest manufacturing industry in the United States. We must be judicious in our approach and mindful of unintended consequences. Vote no on the amendment.”