Labor and Environmental groups support Obama's proposed fuel efficiency standards

[Willinois]

Here's something positive I found from the BlueGreen Alliance. They're a partnership between unions and environmental groups working to expand green job opportunities.

Quote:The BlueGreen Alliance (BGA) and its partners support President Obama’s proposal of a stronger fuel efficiency standard of 54.5 miles per gallon as an important step towards building a strong national program for light duty vehicles sold in model years 2017-2025.

"The UAW is pleased to join our BGA partners in supporting this framework agreement," said United Auto Workers President Bob King. "We congratulate and thank President Obama and his administration for bringing all the stakeholders together in a compromise that moves the industry forward."

“After decades of inaction and stagnation, President Obama has ensured 15 years of continuous progress to help cut our dangerous addiction to oil, create American jobs, save families money at the pump, curb dangerous pollution and tackle climate disruption,” said Michael Brune, Executive Director of the Sierra Club. “It is critical that the Administration put technology to work to ensure the strongest final standards possible for the greatest benefits to American families and workers."

It's very encouraging to see the UAW supporting fuel economy standards again. For too long they repeated the oil industry lie that it would cost American jobs. In fact, failing to produce fuel efficient cars is what destroyed many American auto industry jobs.

Their press release links to this report by NRDC, Center for American Progress and the UAW showing that going up to 40mpg would create up to 150,000 U.S. jobs.

Getting the auto industry to reduce our reliance on oil is one of Obama's greatest accomplishments in office so far. It's encouraging to see the administration moving forward with this next step.