Schumer: New Fuel Economy Standards Symbolic

Schumer: New Fuel Economy Standards Symbolic

Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) released the following statement on the Administration's announcement of new fuel economy regulations today:

"The Administration's newfound desire to increase fuel economy standards is welcome, albeit late since the energy bill that was signed into law last month did nothing to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil. Sky-rocketing prices at the pump are hurting American families and businesses and we should be doing everything in our power to reduce costs in the short term and reduce our dependence on foreign oil in the long term.

"The Administration should immediately tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in the short term to reduce gas prices, and it must do far more than merely require a symbolic increase in fuel economy standards in 6 years for a small portion of all new vehicles.

"The Administration should join me and others in the effort to completely close the SUV loophole and bring the entire U.S. auto fleet fuel economy standard up to 27.5 miles per gallon as soon as possible."

http://schumer.senate.gov/SchumerWebsite/pressroom/press_releases/2005/PR41809.Fuel%20Economy.082305.html