Statement By Eric Haxthausen Of Environmental Defense On Bush Administration's Fuel Economy Proposal
“Although structural reform is an interesting idea that deserves consideration, the new proposal from the Bush Administration on CAFE fuel efficiency standards for SUVs and light trucks is almost embarrassingly inadequate in terms their impacts on U.S. oil consumption. And in the midst of record-breaking crude oil and gasoline prices, continuing weakness of fuel standards will do little to help American drivers at the pump. We can and should do much better. A cost-benefit analysis by Environmental Defense indicates that even under very conservative assumptions, the government should increase SUV and other light truck standards by at least 0.7 to 1 mpg each year, which could save more than 1.5 million barrels of oil per day by 2020, about as much as currently imported from Saudi Arabia
“With US cars and light trucks accounting for 20% of US greenhouse gas emissions, roughly the equivalent to Japan’s total emissions, the continuing weakness of fuel economy standards also fails to address the growing threat of climate change.”
One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund
Latest press releases
-
Court Should Deny Shadow Docket Requests to Block Methane Pollution Limits
September 20, 2024 -
CFTC Guidance will Strengthen Voluntary Carbon Credits
September 20, 2024 -
Navajo Nation takes significant action to cut methane, assert tribal sovereignty
September 19, 2024 -
Houston-area High School Students Selected as Winners in Environmental Defense Fund Video Contest
September 16, 2024 -
New Bill Would Help Congress Better Understand Legislation’s Climate Impacts
September 12, 2024 -
Hydrogen Blending in New York Gas Pipelines Undermines State Climate Goals
September 12, 2024