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Energy Politics Hit the Airwaves
in Six More States: NRDC Runs Robert Redford Radio Ads in
Delaware, Maryland, Nebraska, Wisconsin and the
Dakotas
Spots Urge Senators to Support Fuel Economy
Increase, Highlight Technologies to Improve Safety and Reduce
Foreign Oil Dependence
WASHINGTON (March 11, 2002) -- New radio ads featuring
actor Robert Redford are appearing this week in six states
urging U.S. Senators in to support tougher fuel economy
standards when the issue comes to a vote in the next few days.
The ads are a challenge to high-pressure lobbying by the auto
industry against the measure.
Redford reminds Americans that they can have safer, more
fuel-efficient cars, SUVs and pick-ups that reduce our
dependence on foreign oil, but only if the Senators stand up
to scare tactics and obfuscation from the car companies -- the
very same companies that once opposed seat belts and air
bags.
"Senators will make a choice between two plans: one that
guarantees better gas mileage, and another that does not,"
Redford says in the ads, which are sponsored by members of
NRDC (the Natural Resources Defense Council).
A provision by Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and John Kerry
(D-Mass.) would require new cars and light trucks to get an
average 36 miles per gallon by 2015, which would save more
than a million barrels of oil each day. The U.S. currently
imports half its daily oil supply, a figure that is growing
steadily. Sixty-five percent of the world's oil reserves are
in Persian Gulf countries.
"The technology exists right now to build cars, minivans
and SUVs that deliver much better mileage and are just as safe
as any on the road today," Redford says. "Now is the time to
use it."
In fact, fuel savings are historically associated with
better vehicle safety. Fuel efficiency for cars and passenger
trucks nearly doubled between 1975 and 1999 while the fatality
rate plunged by more than half. But the last time fuel economy
standards were updated was 1985.
In addition to reduced import dependence, the oil savings
would bring dramatic health and environmental benefits,
including cleaner air, fewer oil spills, a reduction in global
warming pollution and less pressure to drill for oil in places
like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
NRDC Robert Redford/CAFE Ads
Sample Ad: North
Dakota
Robert Redford: What would you say about a plan that gives
Americans safer, more fuel-efficient cars, and reduces our
dependence on foreign oil?
I'm Robert Redford, and I think we'd all agree that's a
good idea -- especially reducing our dependence on foreign
oil.
You'd think Congress would get behind this plan, too.
But they aren't.
In the next few days, Senators Conrad and Dorgan will make
a choice between two plans: one that guarantees better gas
mileage; and another -- backed by special interest lobbyists
-- that doesn't.
The technology exists right now to build cars, pickup
trucks and SUVs that get 35 miles per gallon -- and are just
as safe as any on the road today. Now's the time to use
it.
Call Senators Conrad and Dorgan at 202-224-3121, and ask
them to support the McCain-Kerry plan. Reducing our dependence
on foreign oil is the right thing to do for America.
Sponsored by North Dakota members of the Natural Resources
Defense Council.
The Natural Resources Defense Council is a
national, non-profit organization of scientists, lawyers and
environmental specialists dedicated to protecting public
health and the environment. Founded in 1970, NRDC has more
than 500,000 members nationwide, served from offices in New
York, Washington, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Related NRDC Pages
A
Responsible Energy Policy for the 21st Century
Dangerous
Addiction: Ending America's Oil Dependence