Labor-Environmental Partnership Concerned that Weakening Fuel Economy Standards Could Hurt Michigans’s Workers, Economy
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will rewrite the nation’s future fuel economy standards for cars and light-duty trucks. A labor-environmental partnership in the state is worried that weakening the standards could impact Michigan workers in the auto industry.
Frank Houston is the Regional Program Manager for the BlueGreen Alliance in Michigan and he says the state is at the forefront of building the technologies that are making cars and trucks more fuel-efficient.
HOUSTON: “Because of the innovation and leadership of Michigan businesses and workers, our state is positioned to reap the benefits of making vehicles more fuel-efficient. We already have nearly 70,000 workers in Michigan building the materials and parts needed to make our cars and trucks more fuel efficient to meet strong fuel economy standards.” (:16) Download MP3.
The EPA is expected to rewrite the rules over the coming months. Houston hopes the EPA keeps strong fuel economy rules to ensure that the investment in innovation and job growth continues in Michigan.
HOUSTON: “Stepping away from these job-creating standards could put our state’s auto industry, auto suppliers, and economic progress in jeopardy.” (:08) Download MP3.
Automakers have made or promised at least $23 billion in investments in 41 facilities in Michigan alone since 2008. The BlueGreen Alliance argues that a significant portion of that investment represents added and enhanced investment in innovative products and manufacturing processes made to meet the nation’s commonsense fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards.