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Press Release

Comments from Michigan Lawmakers on Meeting with Big 3 Automakers' CEOs
Four pronged approach focuses on expanding refinery capacity, consumer education to increase efficiency, limiting boutique fuels and preventing potential price gouging

Washington, DC - Today, the CEOs from the three major U.S. based automobile manufacturers met with Members of Michigan's delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives. In the meeting, executives and lawmakers exchanged their thoughts on issues including energy legislation, health care and currency manipulation. Following the meeting, some of the Michigan Members made the following remarks:

Congressman Bart Stupak (MI-1): "I was pleased that representatives from the automobile industry were here today to share their views on trade, health care, energy and manufacturing issues.  We had a robust discussion that touched upon a range of issues, including different approaches to mileage standards.  Personally, I urged the automakers to be more open to new technologies developed outside of their corporations, such as the total integrated thermal system developed by Engineered Machine Products (EMP) of Escanaba, Michigan.  I look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Dingell, Senator Levin, Senator Stabenow and the other Members of the Michigan delegation on the issues discussed today."

Congressman Pete Hoekstra (MI-2): "The automotive industry remains a cornerstone of the Michigan economy, and I am pleased that officials representing Detroit's automakers met with the Michigan congressional delegation to discuss mutual concerns.  We need to maintain a continuous dialogue to ensure that Congress is doing everything that it can to create a tax and regulatory structure that enables them to succeed in the free market."

Congressman Vern Ehlers (MI-3):  "Among the biggest factors in recovering Michigan's economy is the rejuvenation of the American auto industry.  I am pleased that the Michigan delegation has this opportunity to work personally with executives from the 'Big Three' automakers, and I can assure them that my colleagues and I will continue working to help automotive manufacturers in the state."

Congressman Dave Camp (MI-4):"It is clear Speaker Pelosi is bent on driving Detroit automakers out of business to the direct benefit of Toyota.  If she wins, Michigan loses big.  The delegation must do all it can, both Republicans and Democrats, to ensure whatever legislation comes out of Congress has the support of the Big Three."

Congressman Dale Kildee (MI-5), co-chairman of the House Automotive Caucus: "I am always glad to meet with the leaders of the automobile manufacturers. They play such an important role in our economy. That is why Congress must carefully consider any legislation addressing global warming to ensure the continued viability of our industrial manufacturing base, particularly the auto industry."

Congressman Fred Upton (MI-6), co-chairman of the House Automotive Caucus: "U.S. automakers have been at the forefront of research and development, and fostering these new technologies will not only revolutionize the industry, the environmental benefits will be significant.  Congress has the responsibility, on a bipartisan basis, to craft energy legislation that partners with the American auto industry and encourages new, state-of-the-art technologies.  The automobile is not only part of the very fabric of American culture, but also the lifeblood of the state of Michigan, and we as a delegation, Republican and Democrat, are united in our efforts."

Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-7):  "Michigan's economic turnaround depends on Congress giving automakers and their employees the opportunity to innovate, grow and expand.  We must address our energy issues with sound policy and do it with the support and cooperation of Michigan's largest employers.  Our American auto manufacturers spend $20 billion a year on research and development, and that's why I am co-sponsoring legislation to extend the research and development tax credit, so we can keep these high-tech, high-paying jobs here in Michigan."

Congressman Mike Rogers (MI-8):  "To protect American jobs, improve fuel economy through innovation not regulation, and address global climate change, we must help automakers get to the next generation of cars powered by the next generation of fuels.  Chairman Dingell's bill is a step in the right direction and I'm pleased it includes provisions I introduced to speed ethanol to gas stations and provide loan guarantees for green technologies."

Congressman Joe Knollenberg (MI-9):  "It is going to take bipartisan cooperation to turn the lemons that are being thrown at the auto industry into lemonade.  If there is going to be a CAFÉ increase, the Michigan Delegation needs to work together to secure funding for alternative fuels, create timetables that are realistic, and preempt California and the EPA from imposing regulations that threaten more Michigan jobs."

Congresswoman Candice Miller (MI-10):  "As a member of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming I have a clear understanding of what we are up against in defending the domestic auto industry, as there are some in Congress who appear bent on its destruction.  Making our nation more energy independent and our auto companies competitive in the global marketplace can only be accomplished through advancing technology, American technology, which will actually solve both problems.  That must be the focus of any Congressional action.  I look forward to working in bi-partisan fashion with my colleagues from Michigan and the Big 3 automakers to promote legislation that is good for the industry, for Michigan workers and America."

Congressman John D. Dingell (MI-15): "The CEOs did a fine job explaining to us their concerns and we shared with them our concerns. There are some issues we see eye-to-eye on, while others may need a bit more discussion. The most important thing is they told us they want to be part of the solution to our urgent problems with climate change. In fact the newest models from Detroit already begin to address these concerns, but the automakers say that's just the start. I'm encouraged by what they had to say and I hope that other Americans, from coast-to-coast, take some time to look at what they are doing."

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