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April 27, 2006
The Honorable Bill Frist
Majority Leader
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Mr. Leader:
At the President’s request, I hereby ask that the Congress take prompt action to
authorize the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to reform fuel economy
standards for passenger automobiles for the first time. Along with other
previously announced energy policies, the President believes these actions are
critical to promoting our Nation’s energy security and independence.
The Administration has already shown strong leadership on fuel economy. The DOT
raised the light truck and sport utility vehicle standards twice in the last
four years, including a recently announced rulemaking that will save nearly 11
billion gallons of gasoline, eliminate incentives to make lighter and therefore
more dangerous vehicles, and encourage all manufacturers, not just a few, to
deploy fuel saving technologies.
Our National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has the technical
expertise to regulate fuel economy in a manner that is cost effective, based on
sound science and safeguards vehicle occupants. Substantial increases in CAFE
standards under the current single standard approach would increase fatalities
on America’s highways, raise healthcare costs and reduce employment. As a
result, the Administration would oppose any increase in passenger car CAFE
standards without corresponding reform.
In addition, it is imperative that CAFE standards be set through an
administrative process based on sound science and data. The administrative
process provides safety and other public interest groups, the auto industry and
the general public an opportunity to develop and provide NHTSA with policy
suggestions and detailed technical, economic, and other relevant data necessary
for reforming the passenger car CAFE system and setting new CAFE standards.
I commend Congress for their strong interest in improving our country’s energy
independence, and I look forward to working with you to achieve this important
objective.
An identical letter has been sent to the Minority Leader of the Senate, the
Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Minority Leader of the House of
Representatives.
Sincerely yours,
Norman Y. Mineta
A signed copy of this letter can be viewed here.
Otherwise, please contact the US Department of Transportation, Office of Public
Affairs at 202-366-4570.