Robbie Diamond, President and CEO of Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE) released the following comment in response to the EPA’s draft rule on fuel economy standards being sent to OMB:

“As the process enters the next phase, the EPA and the DOT should take this opportunity to optimize fuel economy standards by getting a better deal with all relevant stakeholders. Should diverging standards be created between California and the federal government it will be a lose-lose for the auto industry, American consumers, and U.S. national security. As the country faces higher gas prices due to continued market manipulation by OPEC and rising geopolitical risk, now is the time for demand-side policies that help to insulate our businesses and our citizens from oil price volatility. SAFE looks forward to reviewing the proposed rulemaking and continuing its dialogue with all parties as the process continues.”

# # #

About Securing America’s Future Energy

Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE) is an action-oriented, nonpartisan organization that aims to reduce America’s dependence on oil. Near-total dependence on petroleum in the transportation sector undermines the nation’s economic and national security, and constrains U.S. foreign policy. To combat these threats, SAFE advocates for expanded domestic production of U.S. oil and gas resources, continued improvements in vehicle fuel efficiency, and transportation sector innovations including electric vehicles, natural gas trucks, and autonomous vehicles. In 2006, SAFE joined with General P.X. Kelley (Ret.), 28th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, and Frederick W. Smith, Chairman, President, and CEO of FedEx Corporation, to form the Energy Security Leadership Council (ESLC), a group of business and former military leaders committed to reducing the United States’ dependence on oil. Today, the ESLC is co-chaired by Frederick W. Smith and General James T. Conway (Ret), 34th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.
###