National Launch of Rallies For Fuel Economy
Workers, Business Leaders and Elected Officials to Rally for Reasonable Vehicle Fuel Economy Standards
CHICAGO, Aug. 16, 2007 -- The following is being issued by UAW; Chrysler; Ford; GM:
WHAT: Auto workers, business leaders and elected officials will hold a demonstration in support of the bi-partisan Hill-Terry vehicle fuel economy bill -- H.R. 2927 -- calling for substantial increases in motor vehicle fuel economy regulations. (The kick- off rally is in Chicago. St. Louis is next week.) WHERE: Federal Plaza, downtown Chicago WHEN: 10 a.m., Thursday, August 16, 2007 WHO: Speakers will include: -- U.S. Congressman Don Manzullo, Illinois 16th District -- United Auto Workers representatives -- Managers from area Ford and Chrysler plants -- Jerry Roper, President, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce -- Frederic Brereton, Mayor of Belvidere WHY: The Hill-Terry bill has growing support in Congress because it recognizes that cars and trucks have different transportation roles and should be regulated separately for fuel economy. Its supporters say Hill-Terry is a reasonable approach to improved fuel economy because it sets tough standards but will save jobs and enable consumers to choose the vehicles they want and need. It is vital that the Hill-Terry bill prevails in the US House of Representatives in order to moderate the more onerous vehicle fuel economy provisions in the already-passed Senate energy bill. Those provisions would cost thousands of jobs, radically reduce consumers' vehicle choices and raise sticker prices by thousands. A Lehman Brothers study estimates the Senate provisions would require the production of large pickups and SUVs to be cut by 60%. Visuals: -- A couple hundred UAW and other workers are expected to be demonstrating. -- Petitions in support of Hill-Terry will be on display and will be delivered to district Congressional offices. -- B-roll of the threatened light trucks (pickups, vans, minivans and SUVs) depicting them in ways millions of Americans and businesses use them for carrying more than four passengers, heavy cargo, towing recreational vehicles, or for home improvement. Contact: Jerry Lawrence 312-932-2803