Victory: Tester and Baucus take on Big Oil!
Submitted by David Ellenberger on June 22, 2007 - 5:13pm. Air | Energy | fuel economy energy bill U.S. Senate | Pollution
VICTORY!!! Join us in applauding Senators Baucus and Tester for supporting yesterday’s historic energy legislation that would increase fuel mileage for cars and light trucks to 35 miles per gallon by the year 2020. The measure was part of the energy bill (H.R. 6) and was the first time in over 30 years that a measure to increase fuel efficiency standards for passenger cars and trucks passed the Senate.
Montana residents should be extremely proud of Senators Tester and Baucus and leadership in supporting fuel economy increases for our cars and trucks. Our senators should be applauded for taking a stand to help consumers at the gas pump and protect the environment.
If you could, please put in a call to Senator Tester and Baucus’ offices thanking them for their vote.
Senator Tester: (202) 224-2644
Senator Baucus: (202) 224-2651 or (800) 332-6106 (from MT)
MORE INFORMATION:
Yesterday (6/21) the Senate debated and passed energy legislation that included a bipartisan compromise proposal from the Senate Commerce committee. One key vote to adopt the fuel mileage improvements was held Thursday afternoon on a procedural motion and passed by two votes.
Several Senators negotiated a bipartisan compromise fuel economy amendment later in the afternoon, and the compromise passed by unanimous consent under the rules of the Senate. Thursday afternoon’s compromise amendment was sponsored by Sens. Snowe (R-ME), Alexander (R-TN), Kerry (D-MA), Carper (D-DE), Lott (R-MS), Corker (R-TN), Inouye (D-HI), Dole (R-NC), Feinstein (D-CA), Cantwell (D-WA), Dorgan (D-ND), Hagel (R-NE), Craig (R-ID), Sununu (R-NH), and Nelson (D-FL).
The final critical vote happened on a procedural motion late Thursday and passed by a margin of three Senators, ensuring the compromise fuel mileage increase would be in the final energy bill, and the bill would pass. Senators Tester and Baucus voted for the motion.
For the first time in 30 years the Senate voted to increase fuel mileage for our cars and trucks. Now we need the House to show the same kind of leadership and vision for the country.
