Washington D.C. — In response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s threat to roll back highly-popular, cost-saving vehicle emissions and fuel economy standards, Jack Gillis, director of public affairs at Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and author of The Car Book, issued the following statement:

 “American families cannot afford to spend more money at the pump. They do not deserve to be saddled with gas-guzzling vehicles that will wreak havoc on their household finances when gas prices inevitably spike again.

CFA’s recent analysis clearly shows automakers are on the road to achieving the standards. The EPA rollback will roll the American auto industry back to the days when they had lots full of unsold vehicles and government bailouts.

Tragically, it is the U.S. auto workers who will be victimized by this rollback, as most foreign car companies are better equipped to meet increasing global demand for cleaner, more fuel-efficient cars.

This rollback would deny the American people access to the safest, cleanest and most fuel efficient vehicles they’ve ever known, stress already challenged family finances and keep those savings from being pumped back into local economies.

CFA's latest survey provides indisputable evidence that consumers want more fuel-efficient vehicles and strongly support standards requiring them. Clearly the EPA is putting the short-sighted demands of corporations ahead of the needs of hardworking American families.”

Contact: Jack Gillis, 202-737-0766; Christina Heartquist, 415-453-0430