Nevada Advocates Commend Reid, Berkley for Leadership on Strong GasMileage Standard Reps. Porter and Heller oppose measure, which would provide consumer savings at pump and less global warming pollution.

 

Advocates today praised US Senator Harry Reid and US Representative Shelley Berkley for their leadership in pushing for a strong standard that will make cars and trucks go further on a tank of gas.

 

This week saw action in both houses of Congress on a bipartisan agreement that is the first real increase in mileage standards in over thirty years.  The measure would increase fuel efficiency by 40 percent, reaching 35 miles per gallon by 2020. 

 

Yesterday, the US House of Representatives passed an energy bill including a strong, bipartisan compromise on auto-efficiency standards.  This morning, the US Senate took the first step towards crafting a workable compromise by moving quickly to vote on the House version.  The measure was voted down as expected because of other provisions and another Senate vote including the fuel efficiency standard is expected next week.

 

In the House, Congresswoman Berkley supported the measure and Nevada's two other Members of Congress, Jon Porter and Dean Heller, voted against the measure. 

 

In the Senate, Senator Harry Reid supported the measure to end debate on the bill, which required passage by 60 votes under Senate rules. 

 

"Senator Reid and Congresswoman Berkley this week delivered hope for Nevadans looking for relief at the gas pump and cuts in global warming pollution." said Lydia Ball, regional representative for the Sierra Club.  "Another chance is expected next week, and we thank them for backing strong gas mileage standards." 

 

"This vote was vital to curb greenhouse gas emissions, but there is even more at stake." said Scot Rutledge, Executive Director of the Nevada Conservation League.  "Modern auto standards are critical to our becoming less dependent on foreign oil and putting money back in consumers wallets."

 

"There is much more work to be done, and we need Senator Reid's continued leadership to pass an energy bill this year.  Thousands of dollars every minute are sent overseas for foreign oil imports from Nevada," said Dan Geary, Nevada Spokesperson for the National Environmental Trust.  "After tough negotiations and near-universal agreement on the auto-efficiency standards, Congressmen Porter and Heller still voted against the energy package.  Another opportunity is coming soon and we hope that the fuel efficiency standard will earn unanimous support from Nevada's Congressional Delegation in the next round.

 

With passage of a forward-looking energy bill this year, Congress will be able head home and say they made a real and positive difference in the lives of ordinary Americans with the final passage of modern standards for cars and trucks."