Senator Boxer: Making Cars More Fuel Efficient   

Tuesday, July 17, 2007  

In the continuing struggle to stabilize gas prices at levels that Americans can afford, I’ve been a strong advocate of increasing the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for cars. By raising fuel economy standards, we can cut back on the demand for fuel, including oil imported from foreign producers, and we can help improve our air quality.

I am pleased to let you know that, for the first time in 22 years, the Senate has voted to raise CAFE standards. On June 21, 2007, the Senate passed the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007 (H.R.6), which contains a provision that would raise CAFE standards from an average of 24 miles per gallon to an average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020.

I have worked hard throughout my tenure in Congress to increase fuel economy standards and previously supported legislation to raise CAFE standards up to 40 miles per gallon. I also led the fight to require SUVs to be held to the same fuel economy standards as other passenger vehicles. 

I will keep working for final passage of H.R.6, and I will continue to be a strong advocate for improving our nation’s fuel economy standards in the future.

Sincerely,

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer