NADA challenges environmentalists campaign against single national fuel economy standard

NADA challenges environmentalists campaign against single national fuel economy standard

NADA is challenging an email campaign by the Save Our Environment Action Center (SOEAC), an umbrella group of environmental organizations that is arguing against a single fuel economy standard and misconstruing the auto industry’s consistent stand against multiple and conflicting fuel economy regulations. NADA became aware of the campaign when several NADA dealer leaders reported receiving the email, which then solicited funding.

SOEAC includes among its members the Union of Concerned Scientists, which spearheaded a similar email campaign last year. NADA had told the group to accurately portray the industrys position on improving fuel economy standards and reiterating to them the need for a coherent approach to fuel economy standards. NADA is also providing a sample reply letter for dealers to use should they receive an email from SOEAC like those sent to its directors. The letter reads as follows:

You may be unaware that today there are three different fuel economy programs administered by three different agencies – U.S. DOT, EPA, and the California Air Resources Board – under three different sets of rules, pursuant to three different laws. Instead of multiple and conflicting fuel economy programs, NADA supports a single national fuel economy standard under the CAFE program. The CAFE program was designed by Congress specifically to meet consumer demand and increase fuel economy. Only CAFE can ensure our nations energy security and environmental goals are met without unduly frustrating consumer demand and disrupting the economy.

NADA also objects to the triple regulation of fuel economy to the extent that it creates an unlevel playing field. For example, EPA fuel economy standards set lower requirements for some automakers, while Californias fuel economy program outright exempts a dozen automakers, including potentially Chinese manufacturers. The fair treatment of all automakers is the best way to reduce greenhouse gases and to increase fuel economy.

NADAs support for a single national fuel economy standard does not impact the Obama Administrations ability to require every automaker to raise fuel economy standards and reduce greenhouse gases. In fact, last year the administration raised the fuel economy standard to its highest level ever (34.1 mpg by 2016).

On a related note, automobile and truck dealerships are national leaders in environmental protection, a fact about which I am very proud. For information in that regard, see www.nada.org/green/.

Feel free to visit our dealership where I will be happy to show you some of the most fuel efficient cars on the road today.[/I] Download Bulletin PDF