Defending the gas guzzler

Sam Eaton Aug 16, 2007
HTML EMBED:
COPY

Defending the gas guzzler

Sam Eaton Aug 16, 2007
HTML EMBED:
COPY

TEXT OF STORY

Doug Krizner: U.S. carmakers are taking to the streets today. GM, Ford and Chrysler have organized a rally in downtown Chicago. It’s aimed at beating back congressional efforts to raise fuel economy standards. From the Marketplace Sustainability Desk, Sam Eaton reports.


Sam Eaton: Traditional lobbying tactics recently failed to stop a Senate proposal that would raise fuel economy standards by about 40 percent, so U.S. automakers are adopting a grassroots approach.

Today’s rally kicks off a joint campaign with the United Autoworkers to build popular support for a more modest fuel economy proposal, one that automakers say wouldn’t put them out of business.

David Friedman with the Union of Concerned Scientists calls it a desperate attempt to scare workers and the public into supporting their cause.

David Friedman: They’re basically threatening autoworker jobs by saying they’re going to close down plants.

A Chrysler spokesman says gains in fuel economy are needed, but they don’t have to come at the expense of workers and consumers.

The rally will feature testimony from construction crews and kids sport teams about why they need large trucks and SUVs. Hundreds of autoworkers from nearby Ford and Chrysler plants are expected to attend.

I’m Sam Eaton for Marketplace.

There’s a lot happening in the world.  Through it all, Marketplace is here for you. 

You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible. 

Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.