Washington – The auto industry launched an effort Wednesday to convince drivers that their prized SUVs are at stake in the congressional battle over fuel-economy standards.
The trade group for nine of the biggest automakers funded full-page newspaper ads, holding out sport utility vehicles as the potential loser as the Senate debates a bill that would force automakers to produce more fuel-efficient cars and trucks.
Bill backers counter that raising fuel economy will increase national security, lower carbon emissions blamed for global warming and save consumers money as they buy less gas.
The conflicting views point to what’s likely to be a bumpy road ahead as the Senate debates its wide-ranging energy bill, which seeks, among other changes, to raise the fuel standard for cars for the first time in 18 years.
Automakers are mounting a fierce opposition to the proposal, arguing that the cost will threaten the already imperiled industry.
The automakers’ trade group paid for more than a dozen advertisements across the nation Wednesday, including one in The Denver Post.
Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., on Wednesday said he supports raising fuel-efficiency standards. His support is considered key, as passage of the energy bill is expected to come down to one or two votes.
“This is very strong and necessary legislation,” Salazar said of the Senate’s energy bill. “It is the imperative of the 21st century, and we need to get it right. Otherwise we compromise the national security of the U.S.”
Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colo., opposes a mandatory increase in fuel-efficiency levels.
“He doesn’t think a one-size- fits-all solution from Washington is what Colorado needs,” spokesman Steve Wymer said.
The Senate bill would raise the required nationwide fleet average fuel-economy standard to 35 miles per gallon by 2020. The current standard is 27.5 mpg for cars and 22.2 mpg for light trucks.
The bill also would create for the first time a requirement for medium and heavy-duty trucks, which includes some popular sport utility vehicles.
An exemption was added to the bill for heavy-duty trucks used by farms, which Salazar said led to his support.
Automakers argue that they are producing alternative-fuel vehicles and that strict fuel-economy requirements limit their ability to meet consumer needs.
“Manufacturers would be forced to decide whether or not to offer certain vehicles, and in order to meet the standards would have to have reduced power, less cargo space, lower towing capacity and ultimately fewer attributes that consumers demand,” said Charles Territo, director of communications for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
The industry made similar arguments about how it couldn’t survive economically if it had to add seat belts, catalytic converters or air bags, said Phyllis Cuttino, director of the Pew Campaign for Fuel Efficiency.
