Two Democrat Senators, Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, along with 14 House members from Michigan disputed President Obama’s informally proposed 56 mpg target for 2025 in a direct letter that predicts a loss of many American jobs if it comes into effect.
“We are deeply concerned that the administration’s `starting’ proposal of a five percent annual increase for cars and light trucks — to reach a goal of 56.2 miles per gallon in 2025 — is overly aggressive and not reasonable feasible,” the 16 Michigan representatives said in their message to the President.
“Such a proposal would push beyond the limits of reasonably feasible technology development and would have significant negative ramifications for U.S. jobs and competitiveness.”
They urged the President to meet with the executives of GM, Ford and Chrysler, as well as the UAW, and try to work things out. They did not however propose an alternate target.
The White House has met with the automakers, trying to find common ground on the 2017-2025 mpg targets and has already backed down from its original 60 mpg target, offering concessions on big trucks and SUV.
It will formally propose the new fuel consumption standards by September and approve them by July 2012. Automakers have said that the White House will eventually fall below the 56 mpg target.
While Michigan clearly disagrees with the administration, California and nine other states, including New York, Maryland and Massachusetts, will most likely support the 56 mpg target. That’s because they are urging their citizens towards Zero Emission Vehicles and aim is to rapidly increase sales of hybrid and electric cars by 2018.
Story Sources: MLive and Autonews
