CAFEnews from the Coalition for Vehicle Choice - May 19, 2000
HOUSE SAYS 'YES' ON FREEZE: The House of Representatives voted today to keep the freeze on Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations for another year. That's good news for consumer choice and safety. The freeze is part of the DOT spending bill (H.R. 4475), which passed the House early Friday afternoon (May 19). Anti-vehicle activists were working hard to delete the freeze, and some pro-CAFE members of the House had planned to force a vote on the issue. But they backed down at the last minute, apparently not wanting to risk the embarrassment of a lopsided roll-call vote.
MORE DETAILS: Our website carried up-to-the-minute information this morning on the progress of the DOT bill on the House floor. Log on to http://www.vehiclechoice.org for a recap of today's activity.
THE PUBLIC SPEAKS: The calls, faxes and email messages from consumers around the U.S. helped to make the difference in today's House action. That wave of opinion helped to build support among House members for continuing the freeze. And it caused several House members to reconsider their previously expressed support for higher CAFE. By the time the DOT bill came up for debate, the pro-CAFE forces realized they just didn't have the votes. Thanks again to everyone who took the time to contact his or her Representative. You made a big difference. And with a similar effort on the Senate side, we can make sure the CAFE freeze is extended for another year, to preserve choice and protect highway safety.
SENATE VOTE IS NEXT: The debate now shifts to the Senate, where pro-CAFE senators also claim they'll try to block the freeze. The Senate vote is expected during the week of June 12. The Senate vote is just as important as the House. Last September, pro-CAFE Senators did raise the issue on the Senate floor, and tried to delete the freeze from the DOT budget for 2000. Their effort to impose higher CAFE failed, 40-55, but it showed a large group of Senators who didn't appreciate the threat to consumer choice and safety. The anti-vehicle activist groups will be working hard to pressure the Senate again this year. It's up to us to make sure that all Senators hear from the millions of Americans who depend upon the availability of safe, useful cars and light trucks in America's vehicle fleet.
This site and all original materials contained herein are Copyright 1999 - 2010 by OutdoorWire, Inc. -- All Rights Reserved.
The use of this website, OutdoorWire, or any of its publications or services is subject to the terms of use agreement.
You may link freely to this site, but no further use is allowed without the express written permission of the owner of this material.
All corporate trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
This publication and OutdoorWire, Inc. assume no liability for your use of the material contained within this site.
OutdoorWire, 4x4Wire, SUVWire, JeepWire, MUIRNet-News are all trademarks and publications of OutdoorWire, Inc.
