LCV Disappointed with Mikulskis Vote Against CAFE
Karen Hosler March 14, 2002

WASHINGTON--Bowing to vigorous opposition from automakers and their workers yesterday, the Senate easily defeated a proposal to require vehicles to become more fuel-efficient as a way to protect the environment. Leaders of the drive for higher standards had argued that the result of adopting them would be cleaner air, a healthier environment and energy conservation. They were defeated largely because they lost the backing of many of their usual allies, including Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD). "We are extremely disappointed," said Scott Stoermer of the League of Conservation Voters, who noted that Mikulski voted in 1990 to raise fuel standards by 40 percent.