Washington, DC  – Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15), hailed the passage of the Sutton Fleet Modernization Amendment during the Committee on Energy and Commerce’s markup of H.R. 2454, The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES).  The Amendment passed by a favorable vote of 50-4, with one Member voting present.  Congressman Dingell made the following statement on the Sutton Fleet Modernization Amendment during the Committee markup of ACES:

“I offer my strong support for the fleet modernization amendment offered by my friend and colleague, Rep. Betty Sutton of Ohio.  This amendment, which has the support of the Obama Administration, the International Union of United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors, will result in meaningful reductions in vehicle fleet carbon emissions and fuel consumption, all while providing much-needed stimulus for our ailing automakers.

“I offer my heartfelt gratitude to you, Mr. Chairman, as well as to Chairman Markey, Chairman Stupak, Rep. Sutton, and Rep. Inslee, for the collaborative and collegial approach you fostered during negotiations on this amendment.  It represents a fine balance between environmental and economic concerns, something which I believe each and every member of this Committee should support.

“In view of the unprecedented turmoil faced by domestic automakers and the growing imperative to halt global warming, Rep. Sutton’s fleet modernization amendment stands out as a wonderfully practical mechanism by which to achieve consumer savings, reduced fuel consumption, lower carbon dioxide and criteria pollutant emissions, and increased sales for a critical sector of the National economy.

“I thank you for your courtesy, Mr. Chairman, and close by strongly urging my colleagues to vote in favor of Rep. Sutton’s eminently sensible amendment. 

“I yield back the balance of my time.”

# # #