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Press Releases |
For Immediate Release
06/21/07
Contact: |
Joe Brenckle - Republican Press Office 202-224-3991
Brian Eaton w/Stevens 202-224-0445
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Senate Adopts Compromise Fuel Economy Measure
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listen to Radio Clip
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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), Bill Nelson (D – Fla.), Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Elizabeth Dole (R- N.C.), Larry Craig (R-Idaho) and John Sununu (R-N.H.). The measure would raise the fleetwide average fuel economy standards for all cars, trucks and SUVs to 35 miles per gallon by Model Year 2020. In January, Senator Stevens introduced legislation to increase fuel efficiency standards for passenger cars to 40 miles per gallon by 2017. Current fuel efficiency standards for passenger vehicles are 27.5 miles per gallon, and 22.2 miles per gallon for light trucks.
“I am pleased this amendment has garnered so much bipartisan support,” said Senator Stevens. “This provision will keep America moving toward the future with advanced vehicle technology. The only way our country will achieve energy independence is through improved fuel efficiency, increased domestic production and the development of alternative fuels. One initiative without the others will not achieve America’s overall energy objective.”
Compared with S. 357, the fuel efficiency measure approved by the Senate Commerce Committee, the compromise reached today would remove the mandate to require that 50 percent of vehicles be flexible fuel capable in 2012, increasing to 80 percent in 2015. It instructs the Department of Transportation to develop a plan to ensure that 50 percent of vehicles sold in the United States are alternative fuel vehicles by 2015, taking into consideration the availability of fuel and cost-effectiveness of alternative technologies. Alternative fuel vehicles include, but are not limited to, flexible fuel vehicles, hybrids, fuel cells, and others. The compromise removes the four percent per year mandated increase for model years 2021 through 2030 and replaces it with language that calls for maximum feasible improvements. The measure mandates that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) develop an attribute-based reform fuel economy standard. Finally, the compromise will provide a separate program for low-volume manufacturers, including new market entrants, to ensure that these vehicles achieve a maximum feasible fuel efficiency standard.
FUEL EFFICIENCY PROVISIONS IN THE BILL, AS AMENDED:
- Would include passenger cars and light trucks up to 10,000 lbs (collectively “automobiles”), commercial medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks are more than 8,500 lbs and, if under 10,000 lbs, not an automobile.
- The Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) would be required to establish maximum feasible average fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks beginning in MY 2011 in order to reach a domestic fleet-wide (not per manufacturer) average of 35 mpg by MY 2020. These standards could be based on vehicle attributes and would be increased ratably between MY 2011 and 2019.
- The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and Administrator of the EPA, would be required to examine commercial medium- and heavy-duty trucks and prescribe an appropriate fuel efficiency improvement program to achieve maximum feasible improvement.
- Alternative fuel economy standards would be prescribed for low volume manufacturers at the maximum feasible level.
- The maximum feasible standard for automobiles would be determined by considering economic practicability, effect of other Government motor vehicle standards on fuel economy, environmental impacts, and the need of the United States to conserve energy.
- When setting or revising a standard, the Secretary should ensure that the standard is the highest that is technologically achievable, safe, cost-effective, and is not less than the standard from the previous year.
- Cost-effectiveness would be defined as the value to the United States of the reduced fuel use from the proposed standard being greater than or equal to the cost of such a standard. Other factors for consideration would be economic and national security, the impact of oil on the economy, the cost of storage, and emissions.
- The value to the consumers of a gallon of gasoline saved would be the greater of either the average value of gasoline prices projected by the Energy Information Administration during the period of the standard, or the average value of gasoline prices for the 5-year period immediately preceding the year the standard is established.
- Would require the Secretary to issue safety standards to increase occupant safety in the event of a crash involving vehicles of differing sizes and weights (under 10,000 lbs).
- Would allow manufacturers that earn credits to apply those credits either to any of the 3 consecutive model years immediately prior to the year in which they were earned, or to any of the 5 consecutive model years immediately following the year they were earned.
- Would provide manufacturers the ability to trade credits.
- Would create a labeling program to advertise automobiles that have the best fuel economy and the lowest greenhouse gas emissions.
- Would require the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to update its 2002 report to include an assessment of vehicle technologies. The NAS report would be updated every 5 years until 2025.
- Would require the Federal Government to purchase vehicles that are as fuel efficient as practicable.
- Would require manufacturers to display alternative fuel information on applicable vehicles.
- Beginning in December 2009, the Administrator would be required to review fuel economy vehicle labeling processes every 5 years and report to Congress.
- Would establish a national tire fuel efficiency consumer information program to educate consumers about the effect of tires on automobile fuel efficiency.
- Would establish an advanced battery initiative to support research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of battery technologies.
- Would ensure that biodiesel fuels comply with appropriate American Society for Testing and Materials standards.
- Fines obtained by the Treasury for violations of fuel economy standards would be used evenly for both research and development of fuel saving automotive technologies and agency rulemakings, as well as grants to expand infrastructure necessary to increase the availability of alternative fuels to consumers.
- Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2021.
- Ensures that nothing in this Title would conflict with the Clean Air Act.
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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 &...
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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21st - |
U.S. Senate Approves Increase in Fuel Economy Standard [ Audio 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)...
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21st - |
current Press Release |
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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, ...
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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....
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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13th - |
The Hill Op-Ed -- Improving public safety communications is matter of life and death in emergencies
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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...
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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...
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12th - |
Aviation Subcommittee to Hold Oversight Hearing on Foreign Repair Stations
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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...
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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...
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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....
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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.
“...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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.
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