May 2007
RECENT NEWS
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Re-Energize America
Town hall meeting draws crowd in Michigan |
The Green Machines Tour headed for Taylor, MI in May to participate in a Town Hall Meeting addressing the challenges of oil dependency and global warming. The event focused on solutions that begin in Michigan, with an exciting and diverse panel that included Reverend Dr. Bob Edgar, Director of the National Council of Churches, R. James Woolsey, Former Director of the CIA; Lana Pollack, President of the Michigan Environmental Council; and Michigan Senator Raymond E. Basham, District 8. Read more on our blog
POLICY NEWS
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Fuel-Economy Bills Debated in Congress
New standard would require 35mpg for cars and trucks
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For the first time in 16 years, a Senate committee unanimously passed a bill that would require automakers to improve fuel economy. Feinstein's Ten-in-Ten bill would create a combined car and truck average fuel economy standard of 35 mpg by 2020 - a 10 mpg increase over today's standards. It would also require an annual 4% increase beginning in 2020, and would set a standard for medium and heavy-duty trucks that are not currently regulated. So far, the bill does not include any incentives for manufacturers to build fuel-efficient vehicles or components here in the U.S. The bill could be scheduled for a full Senate vote as early as June.
Not everyone is supportive of the bill. Michigan Senator Carl Levin stated that it has lots of problems, and is concerned that it discriminates against American manufacturers and would cost American jobs. He and other Michigan democrats have proposed an American Manufacturing Initiative to help the auto industry retool its facilities to produce advanced technology vehicles and to otherwise help increase their competitiveness.
Meanwhile, Illinois Senator and presidential candidate Barack Obama was in Detroit earlier this month voicing his support for increased fuel economy standards and outlining a proposal to help U.S automakers with healthcare costs if they agree to speed up the introduction of fuel-efficient technology.
Finally, Michigan Congressman John Dingell, Chair of the powerful House Committee on Energy and Commerce, revealed more about his plans for developing legislation on fuel economy and climate change. He suggested that while CAFE has been an effective tool for improving vehicle fuel efficiency, we now need to go further by considering vehicles and fuels together, and by encouraging carbon reductions evenly across all sectors of the economy.
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Growing Support for Biofuels
New proposals focus on low-carbon fuels
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Like fuel economy, the subject of biofuels has also gotten a lot of attention in Washington this month. President Bush issued an executive order directing government agencies to take the first steps in setting a standard that requires 15% of gasoline to be replaced by alternative fuels by 2017. Recently, the Senate Energy Committee passed a bill that requires 36 billion gallons/year nationally by 2022, with an increasing amount coming from next-generation cellulosic fuels. Also recently, Senator Boxer introduced legislation that requires increasing the use of low-carbon fuels that are 20 to 75% better in terms of green house gas emissions. Other biofuel bills have also been introduced. Some analysts expect one or more of these bills to be incorporated into a comprehensive energy bill later this summer.
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TECHNOLOGY NEWS
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GM Adds More Hybrids to Its Lineup
New Saturn Aura Green Line at dealerships, others coming soon
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General Motors began selling a new Green Line version of its Saturn Aura sedan, which received the Car of the Year award at this year's North American International Auto Show. The new hybrid version of the Aura gets up to 35 mpg and is the lowest priced hybrid on the market. Buyers are eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $1,300. Learn more
GM also recently debuted working versions of the the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon Hybrids that are set to hit dealerships in the fall. These vehicles will use a new dual-hybrid system that will help them achieve up to a 30% increase in fuel economy. Learn more
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Re-Designed Ford Hybrids Hit the Market
All-new Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids now at dealerships |
Ford has redesigned its hybrid SUVs, which now feature all new interior and exterior styling. The new hybrids achieve up to 34 mpg in the city, and are eligible for up to $3,000 in federal tax credits. Learn more
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