Kerry-McCain Proposal is Breakthrough in CAFE Debate
“This innovative bipartisan proposal not only mandates more efficient vehicles but also will harness the power of the market to reduce automotive emissions of carbon dioxide, the chief global warming pollutant,” said Environmental Defense senior attorney Joseph Goffman. “Now is the time for both political parties to come together and support legislation that will help protect America’s economy by lessening our nation’s dependence on oil, and help protect the global climate by targeting carbon dioxide emissions from cars.”
“We are very pleased that this bipartisan bill will deliver significant energy savings, while at the same time reducing greenhouse gas pollution,” said Environmental Defense legislative director Elizabeth Thompson. “This package also provides important flexibility in how fuel economy standards are met that will allow manufacturers to continue to make their own decisions on how to design and market their vehicles in response to the public’s demand for safety and performance.”
The Kerry-McCain proposal would tighten Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards and establish a carbon emissions trading program. The package would raise fuel economy standards to 36 miles per gallon by 2015. The carbon dioxide emissions trading option would also be phased in over time.
One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund
Latest press releases
-
Navajo Nation takes significant action to cut methane, assert tribal sovereignty
September 19, 2024 -
Houston-area High School Students Selected as Winners in Environmental Defense Fund Video Contest
September 16, 2024 -
New Bill Would Help Congress Better Understand Legislation’s Climate Impacts
September 12, 2024 -
Hydrogen Blending in New York Gas Pipelines Undermines State Climate Goals
September 12, 2024 -
EDF files requests that the NC Utilities Commission reject Duke Energy’s current Carbon Plan and order rapid action to bring offshore wind online
September 10, 2024 -
New Water Institute Will Support Youth Leadership on Key Climate Challenges Affecting Borderland Communities
September 6, 2024