|
|
 |
| Press Releases |
|
|
|
U.S. Senate Approves Increase in Fuel Economy Standard
Adopted Energy Act Increases Fleetwide Fuel Economy Average to 35 MPGs by Model Year 2020 |
|
listen to Radio Clip
|
| |
|
WASHINGTON, D.C. – For the first time in more than three decades, the U.S. Senate voted to increase the average fuel economy standard for cars, trucks, and SUVs by 10 miles per gallon over ten years. The fuel economy provision comes as part of the Senate-amended H.R. 6, the Energy Act, which the full Senate adopted today by a vote of 65-27.
Committee Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Senator Thomas Carper (D-Del.) proposed the adopted compromise provision, with the cosponsorship of Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), and Committee Members including Senators Trent Lott (R-Miss.), John Kerry, (D-Mass.), Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and John Sununu (R-N.H.).
The bipartisan compromise fuel efficiency language preserves the core of the Ten-in-Ten Fuel Economy Act introduced earlier this Congress by Senators Feinstein and Snowe, which was reported by the Commerce Committee in May.
Senator Inouye issued the following statement on the bipartisan compromise amendment included in the Energy Act.
“Mr. President, I rise in support of Amendment 1792, filed by Senators Stevens, Snowe, Alexander, and Carper, and cosponsored by Senators Feinstein and Kerry, among others. This bipartisan compromise reflects the input of Members, industry, and consumers, and is good policy for our nation.
I particularly wish to congratulate Senator Dianne Feinstein for her dedicated efforts over the years to update our nation’s fuel economy standards. The success of the amendment today is a tribute to her tenacious and skilled advocacy.
At every step of the legislative process following the introduction of S. 357, the Ten-in-Ten Fuel Economy Act, by Senators Feinstein and Olympia Snowe, the authors and cosponsors of S. 357 and Members of the Senate Commerce Committee have worked together in a bipartisan manner to address the concerns of the automotive industry. In particular, this group worked hard to ensure that automakers will not face a significant burden when meeting the first improvements to fuel economy standards in more than 30 years.
I am pleased that Members from both sides of the aisle continued to work together to produce the amendment adopted today. While addressing a number of the concerns raised by automakers regarding the Feinstein-Snowe Ten-in-Ten Fuel Economy Act as reported by the Commerce Committee, the amendment preserves the core goals and fuel savings of Ten-in-Ten.
The amendment directs the Secretary of Transportation to increase fuel economy for automobiles to 35 miles per gallon by 2020, as in Ten-in-Ten. But in the years that follow from 2021 to 2030, the Secretary shall increase fuel economy at a maximum feasible rate instead of at a pace of 4 percent per annum.
If we have a breakthrough in battery technology, then 4 percent per year may well be too low. If there are unforeseen problems, 4 percent may be too high. The amendment will allow the Secretary to set an appropriate standard in the future.
The Kerry-Cantwell second degree amendment to the Stevens-Carper-Feinstein-Snowe-Kerry amendment also directs the Secretary to establish and implement an action plan to ensure that 50 percent of the vehicles for sale in 2015 are alternative fuel automobiles. We must encourage manufacturers to improve their fleets’ fuel economy by exploring new technologies and producing alternative fuel vehicles. I commend Senators Kerry and Cantwell for developing this compromise amendment that addresses this important goal.
By adopting the bipartisan compromise amendment and H.R. 6 as amended, we will place the country on a path toward reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, protecting the environment, and helping consumers deal with rising gas prices.
Finally, I wish to express my appreciation for the excellent efforts of the dedicated staff on the Senate Commerce Committee including David Strickland, Alex Hoehn-Saric, Ken Nahigian, Mia Petrini, and Jared Bomberg.”
###
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| 28th - |
Stevens Applauds FDA Ban on Farm-Raised Seafood from China
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee today released the following statement after the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a broad import control order to restrict all Chinese farm-raised seafood entering the United States. The FDA stated it will detain these products until they are &...
|
|
| |
| 28th - |
Committee Approves Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation yesterday approved the Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act (S. 950), which is co-sponsored by Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii). Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) introduced this legislation on March 21, 2007. The bill addresses the need for a sustained, national, an...
|
|
| |
| 27th - |
Truth in Caller ID Act Passes Senate Commerce Committee
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce Science and Transportation has passed S. 704, the Truth in Caller ID Act, which is cosponsored by Vice-Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska). The bill was introduced in February by Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and passed the Committee today during an executive session. The bill now awaits consideration by the ...
|
|
| |
| 27th - |
Committee Approves Stevens - Inouye Bill to Encourage Travel to the U.S.
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today approved the Travel Promotion Act of 2007 (S. 1661) cosponsored by Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) and sponsored by Senator Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.). The overall bill would encourage international travelers to visit the United States and establish the non-profit Cor...
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| 22nd - |
Vice Admiral Lautenbacher to Testify at NOAA Budget and Oversight Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee announced today that Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., U.S. Navy (Ret.), Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, will testify at the Oversight Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget for the National Oceanic and Atmo...
|
|
| |
| 21st - |
Senator Stevens Cosponsors Truth in Caller ID Act
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation announced that he would cosponsor S. 704, the Truth in Caller ID Act, sponsored by Senator Ben Nelson (D-Fla.). Senator Stevens made the announcement during a Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing today on the issue.
The bill would make it a...
|
|
| |
| 21st - |
Senate Adopts Bipartisan Fuel Economy Compromise
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate adopted a bipartisan compromise amendment today to increase fuel economy standards by 10 miles per gallon over 10 years.
Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), the original sponsors of the Ten-in-Ten Fuel Economy Act, joined Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), and Senators Trent Lott (R-Miss.), Byron Dorga...
|
|
| |
| 21st - |
current Press Release |
|
| |
| 21st - |
Senate Adopts Compromise Fuel Economy Measure [ Audio Clip ]
- To view the CAFE Press Conference click here.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate tonight unanimously approved compromise fuel efficiency legislation sponsored by Senators Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Trent Lott (R-Miss.), John Kerry (D-Mass.), Thomas Carper (D-Del.), Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), Bil...
|
|
| |
| 20th - |
Inouye, Stevens, and Dorgan Introduce Travel Promotion Act
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) joined Committee Vice Chairman Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) to cosponsor the Travel Promotion Act of 2007, introduced by Interstate Commerce, Trade, and Tourism Subcommittee Chairman Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.). The measure would create an independent body to manage and coordinate a nationwide travel promotions campaign, ...
|
|
| |
| 20th - |
Senate Commerce Committee Announces June 27 Markup
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces an Executive Session for Wednesday, June 27, 2007, at 2:30 p.m., in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building.
During the Executive Session, Committee members will markup the following agenda items:
1. S. 950, Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2007
2. S....
|
|
| |
| 20th - |
Statement by Senator Stevens on Introducation of Travel and Tourism Legislation
- Mr. President, I am pleased to speak in support of the Travel Promotion Act of 2007, which I introduced late yesterday with Senator INOUYE and Senator DORGAN. Our legislation has a simple purpose: To increase the number of foreign tourists who visit the United States. To accomplish this goal, two complementary strategies must be undertaken: existing travel problems must be resolved, and fundamenta...
|
|
| |
| 19th - |
Witnesses Announced for Hearing on Energy Efficiency Technologies
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Science, Technology, and Innovation Subcommittee released today a witness list for the Energy Efficiency Technologies and Programs hearing. The witnesses are listed below.
Witnesses will discuss currently available technologies, and both state-sponsored and corporate programs that reduce total energy use and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy Efficiency ...
|
|
| |
| 19th - |
Commerce Committee Releases Witness List for Caller ID Spoofing Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation released today the witness list for the full Committee hearing on Caller ID Spoofing. The witnesses are listed below.
The hearing will examine legislation introduced by Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), S. 704, the Truth in Caller ID Act of 2007. The Act seeks to protect consumers from deceptive practices invol...
|
|
| |
| 18th - |
Aviation Subcommittee Announces Witnesses for Foreign Repair Stations Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee released today a witnesses list for the hearing on Oversight of Foreign Aviation Repair Stations.
The Subcommittee will examine the growing aviation industry practice of outsourcing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) work. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for and provides oversight...
|
|
| |
| 18th - |
Senate Commerce Committee Announces Caller ID Spoofing, Media Violence Hearings
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces two full Committee communications hearings on Caller ID Spoofing and Number Porting and the Impact of Media Violence on Children.
The Caller ID Spoofing and Number Porting hearing will focus on legislation introduced by Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), S. 704, the Truth in Caller ID Act of 2007. The Act...
|
|
| |
| 13th - |
Inouye Introduces by Request Administration’s Offshore Aquaculture Act
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) introduced today, by request of the Administration, the National Offshore Aquaculture Act. Chairman Inouye simultaneously introduced three amendments, and cosponsored a fourth amendment introduced by Vice Chairman Stevens, that bolster environmental safeguards and protect nativ...
|
|
| |
| 13th - |
The Hill Op-Ed -- Improving public safety communications is matter of life and death in emergencies
-
Great progress has been made during the last two years regarding the advancement of public safety’s communication needs. One key legislative initiative was the digital television transition legislation that established a date certain when 24 MHz of prime spectrum will be put into the hands of first responders. The legislation also requires that 60 MHz of prime spectrum be auctioned and di...
|
|
| |
| 12th - |
Lautenberg Introduces Maritime Hazardous Cargo Security Act
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) joined Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee Chairman Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.) to introduce today the Maritime Hazardous Cargo Security Act of 2007, which would improve the safety and security for shipping facilities and vessels handling hazardous materials.
&ldqu...
|
|
| |
| 12th - |
Aviation Subcommittee to Hold Oversight Hearing on Foreign Repair Stations
-
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces an Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on the Oversight of Foreign Aviation Repair Stations.
The Subcommittee will examine the growing aviation industry practice of outsourcing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) work. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is r...
|
|
| |
| 12th - |
Oceans Subcommittee to Hold NOAA Budget and Oversight Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces an Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee Oversight Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a federal agency within the Department of Commerce, provides vital s...
|
|
| |
| 12th - |
Innovation Subcommittee to Explore Energy Technology Programs
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a Science, Technology, and Innovation Subcommittee hearing on Energy Efficiency Technologies and Programs.
Members of the Subcommittee will consider currently available technologies, and both state-sponsored and corporate programs that reduce total energy use and decrease greenhouse gas emissions....
|
|
| |
| 12th - |
Senator Stevens Calls for Universal Service Reform
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today called for the reform of the Universal Service Fund during a Commerce Committee hearing to assess recent recommendations made by the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service. The hearing focused on a proposed cap on wireless universal service support, w...
|
|
| |
| 11th - |
Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for Hearing on 700 MHz Auction
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) released today a witness list for the full committee hearing on The 700 MHz Auction: Public Safety and Competition Issues.
Scheduled for Thursday, June, 14, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building, the hearing will examine a variety of issues related to the auction of spectrum at the...
|
|
| |
| 8th - |
Commerce Committee Announces USF Hearing Witness List
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) released today a witness list for the full committee hearing on The Universal Service Fund: Assessing the Recommendations of the Federal-State Joint Board.
Scheduled for Tuesday, June, 12, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building, the hearing will examine the Federal-State Joint Boar...
|
|
| |
| 7th - |
Senate Commerce Committee Works to Protect Nation’s Oceans, Coastline
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – In honor of Capitol Hill Ocean Week 2007, the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and several other members of Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation joined to introduce a group of bills today that provides for sustainable use and protection of our nation’s ocean and coastal areas. The bills include:
Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Amend...
|
|
| |
| 7th - |
Inouye and Stevens Sponsor Oceans Legislation
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) today introduced several oceans bills that would strengthen hydrographic surveys, improve management of invasive species in ballast water, and protect coral reefs. Today marks the last day of the 2007 Capitol Hill Ocean Week.
“...
|
|
| |
| 6th - |
Stevens Recognized as Oceans Advocate by Fishing Associations
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, yesterday was recognized by several fishing and oceans advocacy associations for his work to promote and enhance sport fishing and healthy fisheries through the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act of 2006 (HR 5946). The Magnuson-Stevens Act was approved by Congress ...
|
|
| |
| 6th - |
NASA IG Investigation Oversight Hearing Witnesses List Revised
- WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Space, Aeronautics, and Related Sciences and the House Committee on Science and Technology Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight revised the witness list for the Joint Hearing on the Oversight Review of the Investigation of the NASA Inspector General scheduled for Thursday, June 7, 2007, at 2:00...
|
|
| |
| 4th - |
Inouye: Disappointed with Second Circuit Decision
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) released the following statement today in response to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit decision overruling the Federal Communications Commission policy of prohibiting the use of expletives on broadcast television.
"It is disappointing that a divided Second Circuit panel chose to invalidate the...
|
|
| |
| 4th - |
Senate Commerce Committee Schedules USF, 700 MHz Action Hearings
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces two Full Committee communications hearings - Universal Service Fund: Assessing the Recommendations of the Federal-State Joint Board and The 700 MHz Auction: Public Safety and Competition Issues.
The Universal Service Fund: Assessing the Recommendations of the Federal-State Joint Board hearing is sc...
|
|
| |
| 4th - |
Commerce Committee Postpones U.S. Trade Relations with China Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has postponed the Interstate Commerce, Trade, and Tourism Subcommittee hearing on U.S. Trade Relations with China originally scheduled for Thursday, June 12, 2007, at 2:30 p.m.
A rescheduled date and time will be forthcoming.
###
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
