Last week the House of Representatives passed President George Bush's proposed energy plan. The plan was voted on in three parts. A vote to increase fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks was defeated 269 to 160. A vote to allow drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was approved 223 to 206 and a vote on the "full" energy bill was approved 240 to 189. 

The proposed fuel efficiency standards would have raised the miles per gallon that light trucks get from 20.7 to 27.5 by 2007. According to Congressional reports, the new standard would have saved 1.5 million barrels of oil a day. By comparison, according to President Bush, opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling will produce 600,000 barrels of oil a day in 2010.

New Jersey's entire delegation, both Republicans and Democrats, voted in favor of raising fuel efficiency standards for light trucks and cars as did all but one member of Connecticut's delegation, Rob Simmons. New York's delegation split with 6 Republicans and 15 Democrats supporting the increased standards and 6 Republicans and 4 Democrats voting for the status quo. Among those who voted to allow new cars and trucks to continue polluting are Vito Fossella, Gregory Meeks, Major Owens, and Joseph Crowley. Auto manufacturer and labor groups reportedly exerted pressure on the vote, claiming they would be at a disadvantage with foreign competitors under the new standards. 

Clearing the Air - July 26, 2000

Washington Worthies - November 5, 1999

MTR search facilityand back issues:

Search our database of all past issues of Mobilizing the Region since Fall, 1994.

Go to indexof all Mobilizing the Region back issues