Carper-Specter Energy Bill Amendment On Oil Savings

April 23, 2002

Dear Friend:

As the Senate energy bill (S 517) moves into the final stages of debate, we find ourselves with a bill that does nothing to improve the fuel economy of automobiles. The Kerry-Hollings provision included in the bill in January would have increased corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2013. Unfortunately, the Senate subsequently adopted the industry-backed Levin-Bond amendment, which:

Recently, Senators Tom Carper (D-DE) and Arlen Specter (R-PA) have come forward with an amendment to remedy the single greatest flaw in the Levin-Bond amendment by directing DOT to issue regulations that would reduce car and truck oil consumption by one million barrels a day by 2015. While this amendment is not as effective as legislation that would specifically increase fuel economy standards, it would be a step in the right direction.

Existing, affordable vehicle technologies could achieve -- and in fact double -- the fuel savings promised by the Carper-Specter amendment. Putting those technologies into production would strengthen the auto industry and boost the economy as a whole through significant fuel savings. Concern about the consequences of our heavy and growing reliance on imported oil has never been higher, and it is simply unacceptable that the 2002 energy bill would not feature a significant and concrete commitment to reducing oil consumption.

The Senate energy bill will be conferenced with the House bill, which includes a provision to save 5 billion gallons of oil over the period 2004 to 2010 through an increase in light truck fuel-economy standards. By 2015, the Carper-Specter provision would yield more than eight times the savings the House provision could possibly produce by that date, so it is important that Senate adopt the Carper-Specter amendment and stick to it in conference.

As a supporter of energy efficiency, you can make an important contribution in the final days of the debate. Let your U.S. Senators know of your support for the Carper-Specter amendment and your opposition to any future efforts to weaken this provision.

You can contact your Senators by email: go to http://www.senate.gov/ and click on the link "Contacting the Senate." There you will find all Senators listed, with live links to their e-mail addresses. Even a few timely messages from real constituents can make a difference in close votes, so I urge you to contact your U.S. Senators today.

Thanks for your commitment to energy efficiency.

Steve Nadel
Executive Director
ACEEE