HR 910 will undermine fuel efficiency

Mar 9, 2011

March 9, 2011

Dear Representative:

Thank you for voting against a rider to the year-long continuing resolution (HR 1) that would pave the way for drilling in the Arctic. In these very partisan times we deeply appreciate the courage of Republicans, such as you, who know that the health and economic well-being of the people of the United States depends on a healthy environment.

I am also writing to urge you to oppose HR 910, a bill that would prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from addressing climate change. The bill claims to continue CAFÉ standards for cars and trucks, but in fact would eliminate such standards after 2016 and casts doubt on the validity of the current standards. At a minimum, the bill would create a great deal of uncertainty for the automobile industry and the public at a time of high gasoline prices. The bill claims to protect state programs that address climate change. In fact, it could preempt state laws relating to greenhouse gases. Finally, the bill excludes greenhouse gases from the definition of pollutant, using a definition that depends on the subjective intent of the Administrator of EPA. The new definition will make the scope of the Clean Air Act unclear and undoubtedly generate a great deal of litigation.

HR 910 will not benefit the people in your district, especially at a time of high gasoline prices. I hope you will not co-sponsor or vote for it. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Marcia J. Cleveland Legislative Representative Sustainable Environment Program

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