Resolution Opposing CAFÉ Standards Increase

The Resolution Opposing CAFÉ Standards Increase was drafted in January, 2002. There is no adoption or approval information available. ALEC has attempted to distance itself from this piece of legislation after the launch of ALECexposed.org in 2011, but it has done nothing to get it repealed in the states where it previously pushed for it to be made into law.

ALEC Resolution Text

CAFÉ Resolution

Whereas, there are several proposals before the U.S. Congress to increase the standards for Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ); and

Whereas, the CAFÉ program, which is intended to improve motor vehicle fuel efficiency, does not work because it addresses vehicle supply but ignores consumer demand; and

Whereas, vehicle manufacturers already offer a wide array of fuel-efficient vehicles, but the ten most fuel efficient cars account for only 1.5 percent of automobile sales; and

Whereas, the CAFÉ program limits consumer choice by restricting the vehicles that automobile manufacturers can offer; and

Whereas, increases in CAFÉ standards will limit the supply of mid- and full-sized cars and trucks which will increase the price of those vehicles; and

Whereas, one of the most direct methods automakers can use to improve fuel economy to meet CAFÉ standards is to reduce vehicle size and weight; and

Whereas, two decades of scientific, peer-reviewed studies have concluded that smaller, lighter vehicles do not offer occupants as much protection in a crash as larger, heavier vehicles; and

Whereas, the CAFE program has not reduced American dependence on foreign oil as intended, as U.S. dependence on foreign oil has increased since 1975 when Congress established the CAFE program; and

Whereas, the automobile industry is America's largest manufacturing industry, accounting for 6.6 million jobs nationwide, and

Whereas, an increase in CAFÉ will put at risk many of those automotive jobs by reducing the number of vehicles with the attributes that consumers are willing to purchase;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the membership of the American Legislative Exchange Council finds that CAFÉ standards limit consumer choice, increase the cost of motor vehicles, reduce motorist safety, fail to increase fleet fuel economy and put American jobs at risk; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the membership of the American Legislative Exchange Council opposes any increase in CAFÉ standards.