Transportation

The Alliance to Save Energy came down hard on the Bush Administration’s proposal to allow huge tax breaks of up to $75,000 for businesses and self-employed people who purchase gas-guzzling SUVs. The proposed tax deduction for purchases of "capital equipment" is part of the president’s economic stimulus plan.

“The Bush Administration’s new fuel economy requirement for sport utility vehicles and light trucks amounts to a mere ‘drop in the barrel,’” according to Alliance to Save Energy President David M. Nemtzow.

“We call on the Administration to do more.” The new standard calls for sport utility vehicles, light trucks, and minivans to increase fuel economy by 1.5 miles per gallon between 2005 and 2008.

As conflict in the Middle East continues to rage and gasoline prices climb, the Alliance to Save Energy offers tips to improve vehicle fuel economy and lower gasoline bills during the heaviest spring/summer driving season:

The Alliance to Save Energy today slammed the Senate's 62 to 38 vote today stripping major energy legislation of meaningful fuel economy standards and demanded that the bill (S. 517) not leave the Senate without addressing America's oil dependence.

"This is where the rubber meets the road. We commend the bipartisan agreement by Sens. John McCain (R-AZ), John Kerry (D-MA), Fritz Hollings (D-SC), and others requiring passenger vehicle fleets to average 36 miles per gallon by 2015. Without such standards, the bill does little to lessen our country's growing oil dependence and protect national security.

The Alliance to Save Energy today commends President Bush's fiscal year 2003 budget request for energy efficiency, noting that the administration has come a long way since last year's threatened 30 percent cuts in R&D. The proposed Department of Energy budget for energy-efficiency overall will remain roughly flat at $904.3 million, a 1 percent cut from current levels. The request for the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program will also remain relatively flat.

Statement by Alliance to Save Energy President David M. Nemtzow

"Today the House of Representatives will vote on the most important energy efficiency measure to come before Congress since the 1980s — an increase in the nation's fuel efficiency standards that would reduce U.S. oil consumption by up to 1 million barrels a day in 2010. Fuel economy is now at its lowest point since 1980.

As gasoline prices approach the $2 a gallon mark in most states - and $3 a gallon in California and Chicago - and as 66 percent of American summer travelers use their vehicles to get to their vacation spots, the Alliance to Save Energy offers tips to drivers to lower their total gasoline costs as they head to their summer destinations.

Statement by Alliance President David M. Nemtzow

"The Alliance to Save Energy commends President Bush for his recent remarks to media on the need for better fuel efficiency for vehicles and developing new technologies to save energy. We encourage the Administration's energy task force to recognize the need for increased fuel efficiency for cars, SUVs, and light trucks as a way to extend our nation's energy supply."

Cuts in Clean Energy Could Not Come at a Worse Time

The Administration's proposal to cut energy efficiency R&D by more than 30 percent - even as they declare an 'energy crisis' - could not come at a worst time for American consumers and businesses. Faced with sky-high heating bills, increased gasoline prices, and new prospects for electricity shortages, the nation needs to invest more heavily in energy efficiency, which remains the cheapest, quickest and cleanest way to lessen energy problems and extend energy supplies.