Sherwood Boehlert: “I guess this boils down to whose arguments are the most persuasive. Do we believe the automobile industry, which told us…”

“I guess this boils down to whose arguments are the most persuasive. Do we believe the automobile industry, which told us in the seventies that mandating seatbelts, which have saved thousands of lives since, would deal a devastating blow to auto makers and force massive layoffs, neither of which happened? Or do we believe the National Academy of Sciences, which issued a report just yesterday that said that reasonable CAFE standards, and ours are in the low end of their range, would bring major benefits without compromising safety? The Academy said, ``Fuel economy increases are possible without degradation of safety. In fact, they should provide enhanced levels of occupant protection.'' I would say, let us lessen our dependence on foreign oil without dislocation in the industry. Let us deal with sound science. Let us address the consumer's interest, paying less to fill up that gas guzzler, visiting their local gas stations less frequently, and let us deal with the safety of the American public. We have an opportunity to do the responsible thing. Vote for this sensible middle-ground amendment.”