In a strong show of support for the Obama Administration’s proposed fuel efficiency standards, BlueGreen Alliance partners came together yesterday during two events in Michigan, in Lansing and Grand Rapids, to speak to how raising the bar on vehicle fuel efficiency has already and will have an impact on the economy.
“The fact that the automotive companies and UAW and the environmental community and members of Congress shows that this is a winning formula for us in Michigan and for the middle class all around the country,” said Mark Schauer during an interview with WILX News Channel 10 in Lansing.
At least 20,000 jobs will be created by 2030 in Michigan as a direct result of vehicle fuel economy standards proposed by the Obama administration, according to a new study released by the BlueGreen Alliance. Findings in the report, Gearing Up: Smart Standards Create Good Jobs Building Cleaner Cars, reveal 570,000 jobs would be created nationally from fuel savings and developing clean car technology, and 50,000 of these jobs would be created in light-duty vehicle manufacturing and assembly by 2030. This proposal for light-duty vehicles built between 2017- 2025 means fuel economy will reach an all-time high of 54.5 miles per gallon (mpg) and low for emissions of 163 grams of carbon dioxide per mile (g/mi).
The report and a state-specific fact sheet were highlighted at an event in Lansing today at the Michigan AFL-CIO.
Participants at the events include Mark Schauer, Co-Chair of the BlueGreen Alliance Jobs21! Initiative, United Steelworkers (USW) District 2 Director Michael Bolton, United Auto Workers (UAW) International Representative Brian Fredline, Sarah Mullkoff from the National Wildlife Federation, USW Local #49 Recording Secretary and Grievance Chairperson Becky Sallie and UAW Local #167 Bargaining Chairman Mark Monroe.
Representatives from UAW spoke to the impact that improved vehicle fuel efficiency is already making. UAW manufactures several engine components that make vehicles more fuel efficient, including lifters, cam phasers and lightweight lash adjusters. GM invested several million dollars to support the production of these fuel-saving components here, and that investment is saving and creating jobs.
“Across Michigan, more fuel efficient vehicles are already employing steelworkers in good-paying jobs from Grand Rapids to Detroit, up to Alma and beyond,” said USW District 2 Director Michael Bolton. “Smart standards like these are putting the U.S. auto industry and the economy back on solid ground and we’re creating good jobs and vehicles that are better for our environment.”
Full coverage of the events:
WLNS News Lansing
WILX News Lansing
MLIVE: Labor and environmental leaders praise President Barack Obama's proposed fuel standards
WPRR: Working Progress Radio
WILS: The Tony Conley Morning Radio Show