For decades, concerned communities have pleaded with the auto industry to produce zero emissions vehicles. And for decades those pleas have fallen on deaf ears. As our air thickens with exhaust, courtrooms turn into the battleground for a clean environment, and evidence of climate chaos builds around us, the auto industry continues to produce gas-guzzlers. The terrifying twist of irony is that the industry now seeks a life-line from the very taxpayers whose environment they polluted and climate they jeopardized.
The auto industry is a day late and several billion dollars short in producing zero emissions automobiles that people now see are a necessary reality.
This is a watershed moment for the economy and the climate. $25 billion to continue business as usual is not an option. If we are truly committed to transitioning off fossil fuels and jumpstarting a new clean economy, now is the moment. It doesn’t get any more clear or urgent…
There are 3 things we need to ask our representatives in DC to demand from the auto industry if they are to take $25 billion of our tax dollars.
1. We will not pay if you pollute!
The Big 3 (Ford, GM, and Chrysler) must commit to being the most fuel-efficient fleets on the planet. Mandate a fleet-wide fuel economy of 50 mpg by 2015.
2. Give us clean options!
Each of the Big 3 (Ford, GM, and Chrysler) must commit to producing 1 million Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) by 2012 and 3 million PHEV’s by 2015.
3. Create green industry!
Commit to retooling the entire industry to produce these vehicles and lead the way into a new green economy.
