Friday, October 19, 2012

Empty Chair Update: Feinstein Energy Agenda Means More Expensive Cars

October 19, 2012…103 days since Elizabeth Emken challenged Dianne Feinstein to debate.

Let's look at an opportunity for California's U.S. Senate candidates to have an open
 public discussion on the issues affecting our state and our nation:

 Feinstein's Energy Agenda Means More Expensive Cars

SHOT: In an enlightening op-ed in the San Jose Mercury News today, Dianne Feinstein
doubles down on her extreme energy agenda by lamenting the possibility that a
President Romney would repeal her 2007 Ten-in-Ten Fuel Economy Act, which will force
automakers to increase fuel economy to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.

Feinstein writes:
While economic and foreign policy issues have rightly dominated this year's presidential
contest, one area that deserves more scrutiny is where the candidates stand on a key
energy security issue: vehicle fuel efficiency.
In 2007, I joined Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe in authoring the Ten-in-Ten Fuel Economy Act,
which will increase fleetwide fuel economy to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.
This landmark bill was signed by President George W. Bush
What does the law do? It requires fuel economy for cars, trucks and SUVs to increase at the
maximum feasible rate between 2011 and 2030. … This is progress.
Unfortunately, Gov. Mitt Romney opposes these increased fuel standards.
In fact, the Romney campaign contends these standards are "extreme," that they
"will limit choices for American families," and that better fuel efficiency will cost consumers more money.

CHASER: "I don't know what's more outrageous, the fact that Dianne Feinstein actually believes
it's OK to force consumers to buy more expensive cars every five years,
or that she demands public scrutiny from presidential candidates but can't bring herself
to meet the same standards," said Ron Nehring, chief strategist for the Emken for U.S. Senate campaign.

"California voters should rightfully have the chance to hear Elizabeth Emken compare her 'all of the above'
energy policy to Dianne Feinstein's 'none of the above' agenda.
Unfortunately, all they get is a hit-and-run editorial from an out-of-touch incumbent."