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Pelosi Statement on New Fuel Economy Standards

August 28, 2012

Contact: Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement after President Barack Obama finalized new fuel economy standards for cars and light-duty trucks to the equivalent of 54.5 mpg by Model Year 2025:

“President Obama’s action fulfills the promise of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, a bipartisan law designed to increase energy efficiency, save drivers money, reduce pollution, and strengthen our security by making America less dependent on foreign oil. Building on the work of Democrats in Congress, the President has taken another step to strengthen our economy, support the auto industry, and create good-paying American jobs. Thanks to policies like those contained in the 2007 law, dependence on foreign oil has dropped by 25 percent since President Obama entered office. Meanwhile, our domestic oil and gas production is at record levels.

“On the campaign trail, Governor Romney has pledged to abandon this broad, bipartisan consensus to boost fuel efficiency standards – placing him at odds with automakers, auto workers, middle class consumers, and President George W. Bush, who signed this common-sense measure into law.

“America cannot afford a Republican leadership pulled to the most extreme positions of its party, leaving jobs and our energy future hanging in the balance. Democrats are committed to working with President Obama to continue driving innovation, protecting consumers, and putting Americans back to work in the clean energy jobs of tomorrow.”

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