NEWS RELEASE

Committee on Energy and Commerce
Rep. John D. Dingell, Chairman

Dingell Secures Deal to Boost CAFE Standards

Washington, DC - Rep. John D. Dingell (D-MI), Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement today at the conclusion of negotiations to raise Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards in the energy bill being considered by Congress.

A compromise has been reached on automobile fuel efficiency standards, a key provision of the energy legislation being considered by Congress.

I have supported raising CAFE standards in a sensible and effective way, and I believe the agreement reached today prescribes standards that are both aggressive and attainable. After weeks of productive discussion and negotiation, we have achieved consensus on several provisions that provide critical environmental safeguards without jeopardizing American jobs.

The agreement reached today will strengthen the current CAFE system by increasing standards to 35 mpg, requiring manufacturers to maintain a minimum fleet-wide average, distinguishing between cars and trucks, and providing incentives to preserve approximately 17,000 domestic assembly plant jobs. It also expands incentives for production of vehicles that run on biofuels such as ethanol or biodiesel.

The contributions of Representatives Baron Hill and Lee Terry have been invaluable and I commend their dedication to this issue. I look forward to continued progress as my colleagues and I work to finalize energy legislation that benefits American consumers and protects our environment.

Legislation based on the agreement will be drafted over the weekend.

-30-