Regional
(2010-06-09)
DENVER, CO
(KUNC) -
The U.S. Senate is set to vote Thursday on legislation that would block new Environmental Protection Agency rules requiring higher fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks. Some lawmakers see the measure, being proposed by Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski, as their best hope of blocking new clean air standards set by the EPA - which they say will be too costly for businesses. Denver-based advocacy group Environment Colorado says it would also increase Colorado's dependence on oil by 7 million gallons a year. Field Director Gavin Clark "If this resolution were to pass tomorrow, the EPA estimates that as a whole, America would use at least 455 million more barrels of oil. That's equivalent to letting the BP oil spill continue at the same rate for another 65 years."
Environment Colorado released an analysis of the impact to consumers earlier today. Clark says the measure would cost Coloradans roughly $18 million dollars more a year at the gas pump. Other groups such as the American Lung Association and Veterans Green Jobs are among those rallying against the measure.
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