Pelosi says she won't block talk on fuel economy standards

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Pelosi says she won't block talk on fuel economy standards
July 31, 2007

BY JUSTIN HYDE

FREE PRESS WASHINGTON STAFF

WASHINGTON — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said today that she would not block a debate over tougher fuel economy standards should lawmakers press for one ahead of an expected vote later this week on a broad energy bill.

Pelosi’s comments come as automakers and environmental groups continue their all-out blitz of Capitol Hill over how much efficiency rules for vehicles should be toughened. Detroit automakers have said they were gaining momentum over the past couple of weeks, but the main proponent of tougher standards, Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., softened his bill late last week in a bid to win more support.

Markey’s proposal would force the industry to meet an average standard of 35 miles per gallon by 2019. The auto industry’s alternative offered by Reps. Baron Hill, D-Ind., and Lee Terry, R-Neb., would require new cars and trucks to meet an average of 32 to 35 mpg by 2022, with more favorable rules for tallying efficiency.

House Democrats have scheduled a vote on an energy bill as the last item before lawmakers leave for August recess, saying a vote could take place Friday or Saturday. The House committee in charge of setting the rules for the debate on the bill was scheduled to act Thursday afternoon, and both sides had suggested that Pelosi might order the committee to bar any Corporate Average Fuel Economy amendments to the bill.

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