H.R. 2927 is legislation before Congress that increases the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) standards for automobiles and light trucks as well as promotes the domestic development and production of advanced technology vehicles. The bill will also maintain separate fleets for cars and trucks, an important distinction for vehicle choice as well as highway safety. With crude oil prices recently rising to $80 per barrel and with record amounts of imported petroleum entering the country, there is a pressing need to increase energy efficiency in our motor vehicles. At the same time, concerns such as vehicle safety, vehicle performance and vehicle compatibility with domestically produced bio-energy resources like ethanol and biodiesel can not be overlooked as Congress determines the right mix of legislative policies. H.R. 2927 is bi-partisan legislation that balances these concerns while moving our nation toward greater energy security and energy conservation.
BACKGROUND
Following the passage of the Senate Energy Bill, the House is now considering its own legislation on 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 legislation adopted in the Senate earlier this year, H.R. 2927 establishes important functional differences between passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs, ensuring that consumer choices are not adversely affected through the creation of vehicles with smaller engines, decreased horsepower and diminished towing capacity. Safety will also be impacted with the Senate bill, as extreme mileage requirements for auto efficiency will require vehicles to be made smaller, lighter and without important safety related features like 4WD/AWD - therefore less safe on highways.
H.R. 2927 requires CAFE standards to be determined at the "maximum feasible" level, which would include technological considerations as well as the impact on American jobs. This bill protects the vehicle choices for families and businesses and the United States economy while responsibly raising fuel economy standards by 28-40%.
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
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 contact your Representative, urging them to 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
Dear Representative _________________,
I am writing to urge you to support H.R. 2927. The bill increases the corporate average fuel economy standards for automobiles and promotes the domestic development and production of advanced technology vehicles. This legislation sets challenging yet achievable standards for fuel economy - a combined fleet average that will be between 32 mpg and 35 mpg in 2022.
H.R. 2927 establishes important functional differences between passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs, ensuring that consumer choices are not adversely affected. The legislation 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.
Again, I urge you to co-sponsor and support H.R. 2927. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
(Signature)
(Name)_________________
(Grange name and number) ________________ |
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.
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