Markey Praised Fuel Standards for Fuel Economy and Carbon Pollution Standards
Congressman Ed Markey (D-Mass.) has strongly endorsed the Obama administration’s new fuel economy and carbon pollution standards announced today, calling them a “triple win” for America. The groundbreaking standards will require automakers to achieve a fleet-wide average of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. That’s more notably nearly doubling current requirements. Furthermore, it’s also representing the largest mandatory fuel economy increase in history.
Historic Agreement Transforms Auto Industry
The new standards emerged from unprecedented negotiations between the Obama administration, automakers, environmental groups, and labor unions. Consequently, they achieve broad support across traditionally opposing sectors, creating regulatory certainty for the auto industry while delivering significant environmental benefits.
“Today’s announcement represents a watershed moment in America’s energy policy,” declared Congressman Markey, who co-authored the 2007 law that increased fuel economy standards for the first time in decades. “Moreover, these standards will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, save consumers money at the pump, and create thousands of new jobs in the auto industry.”
The agreement builds upon the administration’s previous standards requiring vehicles to reach 35.5 mpg by 2016. Furthermore, the combined effect of both sets of standards will reduce U.S. oil consumption by an estimated 2.2 million barrels per day by 2025 – more than America currently imports from the Persian Gulf.
Economic Benefits for Consumers and Manufacturers
Now critics are arguing the new standards will increase vehicle prices. However Markey and other supporters point more importantly to significant consumer savings over the life of the vehicle. The administration also estimates the average driver will save more than $8,000 in fuel costs. That’s compared to a vehicle meeting the 2016 standards. So it’s certainly and easily offsetting any increase in sticker price.
“American families are struggling with high gasoline prices,” Markey emphasized. “Therefore, these standards represent one of the most effective actions we can take to provide relief while simultaneously reducing carbon pollution.”
Automakers, meanwhile, gain regulatory certainty and flexibility in meeting the standards. Additionally, they can earn credits for technologies that reduce emissions from air conditioning systems and for producing alternative fuel vehicles like electric cars and plug-in hybrids.
“The auto industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the wake of the economic crisis,” observed Markey. “These standards will help ensure America leads the global race to build the cleanest, most efficient vehicles on the planet.”
Environmental Impact and Energy Security
Perhaps the most significant aspect of the new standards is their environmental impact. The White House estimates the combined 2016 and 2025 standards will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6 billion metric tons over the life of the vehicles sold – more than the total carbon dioxide emitted by the United States in 2010.
“Climate change represents one of the greatest threats facing our planet,” Markey stated. “Subsequently, these standards deliver the single largest step our nation has ever taken to address this challenge.”
Beyond environmental benefits, the standards address crucial national security concerns by reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil. The U.S. currently spends approximately $1 billion daily on imported oil, much of it from politically unstable regions.
“Every gallon of gasoline we save through efficiency is a gallon we don’t have to import from countries that don’t share our values,” explained Markey. “As a result, these standards make America more secure while creating jobs and protecting our environment.”
The Path Forward
While the standards represent a major victory for fuel efficiency advocates, the formal rulemaking process must still proceed before they become final. The EPA and Department of Transportation will develop the detailed regulations over the coming months with input from various stakeholders.
Congressman Markey, who serves as the top Democrat on the Natural Resources Committee and is a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, pledged to monitor the implementation process closely.
“We must ensure these historic standards are implemented effectively and that consumers receive the full economic and environmental benefits,” Markey concluded. “This is just the beginning of America’s clean energy revolution.”
Sources:
July 29, 2011
