PARTY LINE VOTE REJECTS MURKOWSKI AMENDMENT TO ENSURE SAFETY AND JOB IMPACTS CONSIDERED IN FUTURE CAFE STANDARDS WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Frank H. Murkowski (R-AK), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement today after Senate energy bill conferees rejected his amendment directing future CAFE changes to consider the “impact of fuel economy standards on motor vehicle and passenger safety” among a number of considerations. “We had the opportunity to protect American families on our highways, but the Democrats blocked the road. On a party line vote, Democrats rejected my amendment which would have ensured NHTSA fully considers the real-world impacts on family safety, American jobs, and our economy when new CAFE standards are developed. These are the very same impacts we debated on the Senate floor – but Democrats are preventing NHTSA from doing the same. “Without this kind of protection, CAFE standards will continue to be developed in a vacuum, absent any consideration of their impact. When even a one or two mile per gallon increase can cost thousands of jobs, millions of dollars, and hundreds of lives, the Department of Transportation must be required to look at the full effect of their actions.” A copy of the Murkowski amendment is attached. AMENDMENT # _____ AUTOMOBILE FUEL ECONOMY Intended to be offered by Mr. MURKOWSKI At the end, add the following new section: SEC. ____ . DECISIONS ON MAXIMUM FEASIBLE AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY. Section 32902(f) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: “(f) CONSIDERATIONS. – When deciding maximum feasible average fuel economy under this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall consider the following matters: “(A) technological feasibility; “(B) economic practicability; “(C) the effect of other motor vehicle standards of the Government on fuel economy; “(D) the need of the United States to conserve energy and reduce dependence on foreign oil; “(E) the effects of fuel economy standards on motor vehicle and passenger safety; and “(F) the effects of compliance with average fuel economy standards on levels of employment in the United States.”. ###