US Transportation department wants to research auto fuel efficiency
July 11, 2001
By the OGJ Online Staff
WASHINGTON, DC, July 11 -- US Transportation Sec. Norman Mineta Tuesday asked Congress to allow his department to begin a rulemaking leading to research into accelerated corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards.
In a letter sent to key lawmakers, Mineta said, "Consistent with the president's National Energy Policy, I would like to work with you and the Congress to allow the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to start right away with its rulemaking process under current law to improve vehicle fuel efficiency standards."
Riders attached to appropriations bills in the past several years have prohibited the DOT from renewing its research into CAFE standards, which require automakers to meet fuel efficiency parameters for their fleets.
The National Academy of Sciences is expected to release a study of vehicle fuel economy later this month.
Also, Congress is expected to consider tightening CAFE standards as part of energy policy legislation this session.
Mineta said, "Responsibly crafted CAFE standards under existing law should increase efficiency without negatively impacting the U.S. automotive industry."
The letter went to the leaders of House and Senate appropriations committees: Sens. Robert Byrd (D-W. Va.), Ted Stevens (R-Alas.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Richard Shelby (R-Ala.). It was also sent to Reps. Harold Rogers (R-Ky.), Martin Sabo (D-Minn.), Bill Young (R-Fla.) and David Obey (D-Wis.).
