Whereas, the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program in effect for some 30 years not only failed to decrease U.S. dependence on imported oil, it doubled it. 

Moreover, it resulted in thousands of unnecessary deaths and serious injuries each year because cars were downsized; contributed to increased vehicle prices; and caused virtually all cars to lose their towing capacity. 

As drastic new fuel economy mandates are being proposed, SUVOA hereby petitions Congress to consider these SUV and light truck owner perspectives and cautions:

• We urge you to support realistic increases in fuel economy rules that maintain the safety and utility of our vehicles and retain consumer choice. The Senate fuel economy legislation and bills like it in the House of Representatives would hurt consumers by cutting utility, hiking prices (beyond what consumers would recoup at the gas pump) and reducing safety. We believe H.R. 2927 (Hill-Terry) strikes a reasonable balance and we urge your support.



• We support the national effort to improve fuel economy and our environment as much as other Americans. Many Americans want very fuel-efficient, full-sized vehicles.  But mandates must not be set so high that the result is vehicles years from now that lack the performance needed to haul and tow, and the comfort and safety attributes that we value.
  


• We are not a one-size-fits-all society and small cars are not an option for many.  Extreme increases in CAFE proposed by some without regard to technical feasibility or potentially still more safety and utility trade offs, could have unacceptable, adverse implications for tens of millions of Americans who need larger vehicles for family, business or recreational pursuits.
  


• While gas prices have put fuel economy front and center at the moment, an equally strong value should be placed on family and business transportation needs, and the health and quality of life benefits of outdoor recreation that requires vehicles that can move people, gear and, often, a boat or trailer.
  


• For many years it also has been a national priority to foster safety on our roadways. Many Americans buy bigger vehicles for their superior safety protection. Federal safety data document that popular SUVs and light trucks are 5-7 percent safer than passenger cars. Safety must remain a priority not just in stated intent but reality—assured with solid science as fuel economy goals are pursued.
  


• Consumers want vehicles that meet work and lifestyle needs, often including the capacity to haul materials, or tow a boat, camping trailer, or work equipment. New legislation should include unequivocal language that fuel economy standards be crafted in consultation with industries that manufacture towable products. Consideration and preservation of performance factors must be incorporated for hauling and towing all types of equipment, whether for recreation or business purposes.
  


• Energy and environmental decisions must be grounded in technological feasibility rather than unrealistic requirements. Individual choices and needs should be respected rather than disparaged.
  
  
• Finally, and very importantly, we urge the Congress to seize the historic opportunity to foster energy dependence while also preserving vehicle choice by encouraging the development and convenient availability of domestically produced alternative fuels.