Successful Senate Amendment Defuses CAFE Debate

Successful Senate Amendment Defuses CAFE Debate

With the strong support of automakers and dealers, the Senate voted last week, 62 to 38, for a bipartisan amendment to the pending energy bill which authorizes the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration to set new corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for cars and light trucks within a specified time-frame.

The amendment, co-authored by Sens. Carl Levin (D-MI) and Christopher “Kit” Bond (R-MO), directs the agency to take into consideration the following factors: technological feasibility; the effect on motor vehicle safety; the effect of increased fuel economy on air quality; the effect on U.S. employment; and the cost and lead-time required for the introduction of new technologies. It also includes a measure to exempt pickup trucks from any new fuel economy standards.

The measure replaces an energy bill provision drafted by Sens. John Kerry (D-MA) and Ernest Hollings (D-SC) that would have required automakers to increase the combined average fuel economy for passenger vehicles and light trucks to 35 miles per gallon by 2015.

The Levin-Bond amendment ensures that important progress is made in increasing energy efficiencies while also ensuring that the automobile industry continues to be a vital part of our nation’s economic recovery, said Carter Myers, NADA Chairman.

AIADA President Walter E. Huizenga called the passage of the Bond-Levin amendment a victory for American consumers and their freedom of vehicle choice in the marketplace.