"Handcuffing the states so lobbyists can have one-stop shopping to impose their will on all 50 states is grossly misguided."

Washington, DC - Rep. Peter Welch issued the following statement in opposition to draft language being considered by the Energy and Commerce Committee that would prohibit states such as Vermont from adopting car emission standards that are tougher than those imposed by the federal government:

"As I stated yesterday, I am vigorously opposed any federal preemption of state emission standards and will work aggressively to assure it is removed from the bill. While President Bush continues to govern in a state of denial, the new Congress will continue to pressure the Administration to address global warming and follow the leadership of states like Vermont. From health care reform to addressing global warming, states have long proven to be the leaders in developing creative solutions for our most pressing issues. Handcuffing the states so lobbyists can have one-stop shopping to impose their will on all 50 states is grossly misguided. I am confident we will defeat this measure."