Automotive

May 8, 2008 -- The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today issued an order approving nearly $6.5 million in Michigan energy efficiency grants for all customer classes to 14 organizations.

"My fellow Commissioners and I are extremely pleased to announce these grants," said MPSC Chairman Orjiakor Isiogu.

CFL artwork: Photo by Paul Keller (CC)

"The grants awarded today will help the state promote and move forward in the development and application of energy efficient technologies ."    » read more »

05/08/2008 -- Today California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued the following statement after meeting with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers' Board of Directors:

"I want to thank the automakers for meeting with me today. I believe there is an opportunity for us to be strong allies.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger: Photo courtesy California Governor's office

"In fact, California may be doing more to save the U.S. auto industry than anyone else because we are pushing them to change. The automakers need to have a long-range vision and develop the technology that will make them competitive in the world arena.    » read more »

WASHINGTON (Wednesday, May 7, 2008) – The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing later this month to examine the rising price of crude oil and its effect on gas prices across the country, Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced today.

Giant 5 mpg SUV: Photo by Financial Aid Podcast (CC)    » read more »

May 7, 2008 -- Nevada Senator Harry Reid joined other Democratic senators at a press conference this week to unveil the Consumer-First Energy Act of 2008, a bill that addresses the root causes of high gas prices. Seven years of the Bush Administration’s disastrous energy policies have enriched Big Oil and market speculators at the expense of American consumers.

“Nevadans are paying more and more every day to fill up their gas tanks, yet Bush Republicans only offer more of the same failed energy policies that brought us to this point,” Reid said.    » read more »

Alaskans Feel Pinch of High Costs

May 7, 2008, Anchorage, Alaska - Alaska Governor Sarah Palin released the following statement as the price of Alaska North Slope crude oil reached a record level of $123.53 a barrel.

Trans-Alaska pipeline: Photo by rickz (CC)

“Alaskans are feeling the pinch of high energy costs. The state treasury is swelling while the family checkbook is evaporating. As prices continue to rise, we cannot wait for medium- and long-term solutions to come into place.”    » read more »

N.J. Sen. Says OPEC Production Limits Inflate Gas Prices, Violate International Trade Laws

May 5, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Late last week, U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) introduced legislation to force action against the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for its anti-competitive practices and illegal export quotas on oil, which ultimately lead to higher gas prices here at home.

OPEC building, Vienna: Photo by Spino73 (CC)    » read more »

April 28, 2008 -- MADISON – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle announced today steps his Administration is taking to respond to the recent news that General Motors will eliminate its second shift of workers at its assembly plant in Janesville, resulting in the indefinite layoff of more than 750 workers in July.    » read more »

April 29, 2008 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell today directed all Executive Branch agencies to immediately begin cutting back on the use of state-owned vehicles, saying the staggering increases in the price of gasoline that are forcing Connecticut families to cut back on their driving are having the same impact on state government.

Toyota Camry mileage: Photo by Ted Kau (CC)    » read more »

"This isn't an idea designed to get you through the summer, it's designed to get them through an election."

April 29, 2008 -- **Prepared remarks provided below**

Winston-Salem, NC - Speaking in Winston-Salem today, Senator Barack Obama said that the federal gas tax holiday proposed by his opponents is a gimmick that stands in stark relief to the substantive proposals he's made to bring relief to hardworking Americans.

Barack Obama: Photo by Barack Obama campaign    » read more »

04/24/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today joined with 11 other governors in sending a letter to President Bush expressing disappointment that the administration has chosen not to support the states' efforts to control greenhouse gas emissions.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger: Photo courtesy California Governor's office    » read more »

Senator Feinstein will continue to oppose any preemption efforts

April 23, 2008 -- Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today stated that the Administration’s effort to preempt the right of California, and any other state, to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from tailpipes is “contrary to Congressional intent” and to the Supreme Court ruling in Massachusetts v. EPA.

Los Angeles smog: Photo by Ben Amstutz (CC)    » read more »

April 22, 2008 -- Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s announcement today of an aggressive fuel economy proposal that will serve as the first critical step toward implementing the historic energy bill passed by Congress last December:

“Today, the Bush Administration should be commended for taking a critical first step in implementing the first legislated increase in CAFE standards in 32 years, as enacted in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The proposed standard, which would reach 31.6 miles per gallon by 2015, will save consumers money at the pump, reduce our dangerous dependence on imported oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.    » read more »

Schwarzenegger praises Massachusetts for adopting California’s approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuel, based on Task Force recommendation

April 23, 2008 -- BOSTON – Wednesday, April 23, 2008 – Seizing an opportunity to make Massachusetts a national leader in alternative fuels and clean energy policy, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi today announced their support for developing a Low Carbon Fuel Standard, which would set limits on greenhouse gas emissions without mandating the use of specific technology or fuels, and encouraging neighboring states in the Northeast to do the same.    » read more »

April 22, 2008 -- DES MOINES – Today, Iowa Governor Chet Culver signed Senate File 2420, which will secure new funding for Iowa ’s transportation system.

“As Governor, one of my top priorities has been to build on Iowa ’s strengths in education, manufacturing and agriculture and financial services to create jobs in every corner of the state,” said Governor Culver.

Iowa highway: Photo by VideoVik (CC)

“The good news is the jobs are coming, but we must have the infrastructure in place to keep pace and grow our economy. Today, we’re taking another essential step toward doing just that.”    » read more »

Excerpt Attached

April 22, 2008 -- LOS ANGELES -- California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. today attacked the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s new fuel economy rules, calling them “a covert assault” on California’s landmark tailpipe greenhouse gas regulations.

Old car exhausts: Photo by frumbert (CC)

“This fuel economy plan, while attractive on the surface, is a shameful and unlawful assault on California’s landmark vehicle emissions standards,” Attorney General Brown said.    » read more »