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Dedicated to conservation and multiple use of public lands for recreation opportunities.

Edited by: John Stewart

SENATE VICTORY ON CAFE!

CAFEnews from the Coalition for Vehicle Choice - June 16, 2000

SENATE KEEPS THE FREEZE: On Thursday, June 15, the Senate agreed to keep the freeze on CAFE standards for another year, and also ordered a new independent study on the issue.

The Senate action clears the way for agreement with the House, which had already approved the freeze. The final details will be settled by a conference committee on the transportation budget bill for Fiscal Year 2001.

The freeze victory is a big win for millions of Americans who rely on light trucks and larger passenger cars. And, it's a major setback for anti-car activists, who lobbied furiously this year to have the freeze lifted and let the Department of Transportation impose higher CAFE restrictions by regulation.

YOUR COMMENTS WORKED! Thousands of consumers sent letters and email messages to Congress over the past few months, discussing the importance of pickup trucks, vans, mini-vans and sport-utility vehicles for personal and business travel needs.

While pro-CAFE lobby groups recited exaggerated (and misleading) claims, the most convincing "expert testimony" came from those who use light trucks and recognize the utility of those vehicles. From farmers hauling bales of hay in pickups, to disabled citizens with specially modified vans, the wide range of truck uses that you described was truly impressive.

To everyone who took the time to write to members of the House and Senate, we say THANK YOU! It made a big difference, and helped to protect transportation choices for all us.

SENATE APPRECIATION: Three members of the Senate deserve special thanks for leading the debate in favor of the freeze: John Ashcroft (R-MO), Spencer Abraham (R-MI) and Carl Levin (D-MI). They discussed the adverse effects of higher CAFE on safety, choice and jobs, and showed impressive knowledge of the issue.

Pro-CAFE senators didn't have much evidence on their side, and their floor presentations were not convincing. As expected, Senators Slade Gorton (R-WA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Richard Bryan (D-NV) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) argued for lifting the freeze, with a series of misleading statements on safety and environmental issues.

But their arguments didn't sell, and the pro-CAFE group "settled" for a continuation of the freeze, along with a new study by the National Academy of Sciences. For more info on the Senate debate, visit our website at: http://www.vehiclechoice.org

WHAT'S NEXT? House and Senate conferees will have to meet this summer to hammer out differences on the DOT budget bill, including the details of a new NAS study on fuel economy. CVC will watch that issue closely, to make sure it gives fair and full consideration to the interests of light-truck users, and to the safety consequences of vehicle downsizing

We'll post updates on our website when there's news to report. And we'll send CAFEnews bulletins by email as developments warrant, Until then, we thank you again for your help, and wish everyone a safe and happy summer 2000!

Contacts: Related Links:

Coalition for Vehicle Choice
Email: cvc@his.com