| |
Legislator applauds
automaker’s commitment to
environment, consumers
Rep. Doug Ericksen,
R-Ferndale, is hailing Ford Motor Co.’s promise to build more
gas-electric hybrids, more vehicles capable of running on ethanol, and
an experiment to offset the damage of greenhouse gases as innovative,
customer-based, and environmentally friendly.
“Ford’s announcement
yesterday is a hallmark example of the auto industry promising – and
delivering – market-based solutions that meet consumer demands while
protecting our environment. The end result will be cleaner, more
fuel-efficient automobiles,” said Ericksen, House Republican Floor
Leader. “When the auto industry met with legislators last session, they
promised cleaner technology – and they are delivering.”
Ford said it will increase production of hybrid gasoline-electric
engines tenfold by 2010, offering them in as many as 250,000 vehicles.
The automaker also plans to promote flexible fuel technology in 280,000
vehicles next year.
“Federal Tier 2 emissions
standards established under a Republican Congress and the Clinton
administration are vastly improving our air quality,” said Ericksen.
“Over the next 20 years, motor vehicle emissions should be reduced by 80
percent as older vehicles are replaced with newer, cleaner ones.”
According to the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, auto
manufacturers already make vehicles today that are 99 percent cleaner
than vehicles from the 1970s.
# # #
For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
|
|