Michael Burgess: “I stand today in opposition for raising the CAFE standards. This is an irrelevant piece of legislation that is not only…”

“I stand today in opposition for raising the CAFE standards. This is an irrelevant piece of legislation that is not only unnecessary, it is an outdated solution in search of a 21st century problem. Changing technology and innovation have rendered this amendment unnecessary. The increasing use of hybrid vehicles shows that a market- based approach to increasing fuel efficiency is a better way to reduce American oil consumption than by placing arbitrary standards on automobiles that harm our domestic manufacturers. And, in fact, the only thing we get with CAFE standards down in my district are car dealers with acres and acres of tiny cars they cannot sell. With today's high gas prices, hybrid vehicles will help reduce the amount of money that our constituents pay at the gas pump. Mr. Chairman, in the interest of full disclosure, I drive a hybrid vehicle. I did not buy it because of the tax break. I did not buy it because of any legislation that we passed in this Congress. I bought it largely because of air quality concerns back in my district. But now I look positively brilliant that gasoline prices are so high. But the best thing about a hybrid vehicle, Mr. Chairman, is it allows you that feeling of moral superiority as you drive your car.”