Quigley praises President Obama for Fuel-Efficiency Standards Increase

Washington, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL) made the following statement regarding the Obama administration's plan to increase new vehicle fuel-efficiency standards and address the issue of global warming:

"After eight years of inaction this significant step shows a true commitment to addressing a significant problem: global warming. President Obama's common-sense initiative will increase gas mileage while at the same time decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

While there is still work to do, perfection can't be the enemy of good, and this is an encouraging step in a cleaner and greener direction. This new standard is the result of a collaborative discussion and shows that addressing controversial issues doesn't have to happen at the expense of industry or consumers.

Over the next five years, we will not only reduce harmful pollution, but will also reduce gasoline costs to consumers, and help revitalize our struggling auto industry, providing them a path for renewed relevance and financial stability."

The increased standards, which will first come into effect in 2012, and will gradually phase-in through 2016, will require automakers meet a minimum fuel-efficiency standard of 39 m.p.g. for new cars, and 30 m.p.g. for light trucks. The current standard is 27.5 m.p.g for new cars, and 23.1 m.p.g. for light trucks.