Statement Concerning Energy, Fuel Economy, and Hydrogen Technology

Statement by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin: Energy, Fuel Economy and Hydrogen Technology

February 6, 2003

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) today issued the following statement regarding the hydrogen fuel initiative announced this afternoon by President George W. Bush:

"Today, President Bush handed auto manufacturers a gift that will keep on giving for 15 years: continued profits without the responsibility to reverse their growing dependence on foreign oil. If the gift alone wasn't enough to take Americans' breath away, the resulting pollution will be.

"Without question, hydrogen technologies are promising and could revolutionize our transportation industry and its impact on our environment and public health. But experts say we won't see hydrogen fuel cell technologies commercially available for at least 10 to15 years, and that time frame is only possible through an investment significantly greater than Bush's $1.2 billion proposal over several years.

"Meanwhile, a host of experts, including a National Academy of Sciences panel, have demonstrated that technologies are already commercially available to improve the fuel economy of cars and SUVs today. Only an increase in Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards will encourage the full-scale implementation of these technologies, yet the President has placed nothing but road blocks and distractions on this course to reduced energy dependence.

"Last year, the President and his allies in Congress adamantly opposed a proposal that would have raised fuel economy standards by about 16 miles per gallon over 13 years. Instead, the President has proposed a modest increase of 1.5 miles per gallon - only for SUVs and light trucks and over four years.

"At a time when it has become more clear than ever that we need to reduce our dependence on crude oil, the President's budget proposes increases in fossil fuel investments greater than increases in renewable energy investments; his energy plan and budget propose drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which won't provide a drop of oil for 10 years; and his economic stimulus plan proposes an increase in the tax break for small-business owners who buy SUVs from $25,000 to $75,000, encouraging sales of Hummers and other gas guzzlers, several of which get under 10 miles per gallon.

"Americans deserve leadership on energy security today, not dreamy-eyed schemes that won't help us for a decade. But we can only achieve that goal by sweeping away the smoke and mirrors and making common sense choices."