Senator Collins supports efforts to raise fuel economy standards

Senator Susan Collins today commended the Administration for its plan to raise the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for all vehicles, including SUVs and sedans. The new rule would raise the average standard to 35.5 miles per gallon (MPG) by 2016.

“I have long supported efforts to tighten fuel efficiency standards in the United States,” said Senator Collins. “Implementing tougher CAFE standards will help enable us to limit our dependence on foreign oil and reduce auto emissions that are a major contributor to climate change. This proposal is the right thing to do for the environment, for the economy, for consumers, and for America.”

Senator Collins cosponsored the “Ten in Ten Fuel Economy Act,” which was successfully included in the 2007 energy bill and would increase CAFE standards for automobiles to 35 mpg by the year 2017.

In addition, Senator Collins has introduced bipartisan legislation with Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) that would encourage consumers to purchase more fuel-efficient vehicles. Known as “Cash for Clunkers,” their legislation would establish a national voucher program to help enable and encourage drivers to voluntarily trade in their older, less fuel-efficient car, truck or SUV for a more fuel-efficient vehicle.

“Our legislation offers both economic and environmental benefits to the nation by stimulating the purchase of new automobiles and incentivizing fuel savings,” said Senator Collins.