For Release: Tuesday, May 19, 2009

UAW endorses new agreement on fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards

WASHINGTON — A new agreement on fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards is a "major step forward" for the U.S. auto industry, UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said today.

"This sets the stage for building a new generation of cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles here in the United States," said Gettelfinger, who will attend a White House event today for the announcement of the agreement, along with UAW Vice President Cal Rapson, who directs the union's General Motors Department.

"This is good news for our members, for consumers and for the environment," said Rapson.

The groundbreaking agreement, announced today by President Obama, is supported by automakers, the UAW, environmental groups, the federal government and the state of California. It calls for a single national standard on fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions for cars and light trucks, to be issued jointly by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

"President Obama and his team showed real leadership by bringing everyone to the table to reach an innovative agreement," said Gettelfinger. "The final standards will be stringent, but will have support throughout industry, government and the environmental community. The standards will treat full-line manufacturers fairly; maintain a distinction between cars and light trucks; apply to all automakers, and continue credits for flex-fuel vehicles," said Gettelfinger. "These standards will also continue incentives for small-car production here in the United States — a capability that is vital to protecting jobs and our nation's long-term energy security."

"Members of our union have never accepted the false choice between protecting our jobs and protecting our environment," said Rapson. "With smart policies that bring together all stakeholders, we can have both. That’s what this agreement accomplishes, and that's why we support it."

The UAW, one of the nation's most diverse labor unions, represents workers in automobile, aerospace and agricultural-implement manufacturing, as well as workers in health care, higher education, gaming, public service and other industry sectors.