WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator John D (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Chairman of the U.S. Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, issued the following statement regarding the White House’s announcement on increasing fuel economy standards:

“I am encouraged by today’s announcement from the White House that there will be increases in our nations’ fuel economy standards for the first time in more than 25 years.  It was the Senate Commerce Committee and several other committed members who wrote the law that the Administration is now implementing - it has taken far too long to begin work to halt climate change and decrease our dependence on foreign oil.   Progress must be made now.  I plan to take a close look at this proposal and work with my colleagues to establish the proper balance between economic development and environmental stewardship.  Hard working families all across our country are struggling during this tumultuous time in our economy – we must do all we can to move America forward, there is no time to waste.”

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