Below is a statement by Brendan Bell, Washington representative at the Union of Concerned Scientists:  

"After years of stonewalling, automakers are now embracing the inevitable. Stronger fuel economy standards will be a key component of the upcoming energy bill. The Senate fuel economy provision provides automakers with the flexibility they want, while still cutting America's oil dependence, saving consumers billions at the pump, and curbing global warming.   

"Now more than ever, Congress should pass an energy bill that strengthens fuel economy standards and sets a national renewable electricity standard. That would make a down payment to combat global warming, and pave the way for comprehensive climate change legislation."