H.R. 2927 increases the corporate average fuel economy standards for automobiles and promotes the domestic development and production of advanced technology vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Following the passage of the Senate Energy Bill, the House is now considering its own legislation on Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE). The legislation, H.R. 2927, sets challenging yet achievable standards for fuel economy - a combined fleet average that will be between 32 mpg and 35 mpg in 2022.

Unlike the Senate bill, this legislation establishes important functional differences between passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs, ensuring that consumer choices are not adversely affected. The Senate bill requires standards that would attain a combined fleet average of 35 mpg by 2020, which is more ambitious than technology alone can absorb and would force undesired mix shifts toward smaller vehicles.

By comparison, H.R. 2927 requires CAFE standards to be determined at the "maximum feasible" level, which would include technology considerations as well as economic considerations. This bill protects vehicle choices for families and businesses while responsibly raising fuel economy standards.

BILL HIGHLIGHTS

SECTION 1. Average Fuel Economy Standards For Automobiles

Not later than 18 months before the beginning of each model year, the Secretary of Transportation shall determine average fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles manufactured in that model year. Each standard shall be expressed in terms of average miles per gallon of fuel. The Secretary may prescribe separate standards for different classes of passenger automobiles.

SECTION 2. Tire Fuel Efficiency Consumer Information

Not later than 18 months after the law’s enactment, the Secretary of Transportation shall establish a national tire fuel efficiency consumer information program for replacement tires designed to educate consumers about the effect of replacement tires on automobile fuel efficiency.

SECTION 3. Fuel Conservation Education Program

The Secretary of Transportation shall enter into a partnership with interested industry groups, including groups from the automotive, gasoline refining, and oil industries, and groups representing the public interest and consumers to establish a public education campaign that provides information to United States drivers about immediate measures that may be taken to conserve transportation fuel.

SECTION 4. Extension Of Manufacturing Credit For Alternative Fueled Automobiles

This section provides for an extension of the Alternative Fueled Automobiles Manufacturing Incentive from 2010 to 2020.

GRANGE POLICY

Energy Conservation

7. The National Grange supports establishing realistic new fuel economy standards. We support legislation to direct the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to set fuel economy stan­dards at their maximum feasible level, taking into account technical feasibility, safety, and the economic impact to the public. The National Grange urges increased research and development of more fuel efficient, internal combustion engines. We further favor legislation that would prohibit any person or corporation from purchasing a patent with the intent of hindering any inven­tions that would conserve gasoline and other fuels.

Action Needed

Please e-mail your U. S. Representative urging them to co-sponsor and support H.R. 2927. Please feel free to cut and paste the following sample letter. If you do not know your Representative’s e-mail address, please click here to find it.

Sample E-Mail

If you have any questions or comments regarding this Action Alert, please contact Legislative Program Assistant Samantha Johnson by e-mail: sjohnson@nationalgrange.org or by phone 1-888-4GRANGE, ext. 109.

Thank you for your grassroots participation in the National Grange Legislative Program.