U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Leads Effort on Urging Congressional Support of Nationwide Fuel Economy Program

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), the largest national advocate for over 2.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses is helping lead business and Hispanic leaders in an effort to urge Congressional approval of a legislative agreement on a nationwide fuel economy program. The legislation passed by a vote of 235 to 181 in the House and negotiations are ongoing for Senate passage. USHCC President and CEO Michael L. Barrera sent a letter to Congress earlier this week, which has since been used by Representative Hilda L. Solis (D-CA), Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Task Force on Health and the Environment, and Representative Raul M. Grijalva (D-AZ) to promote the fuel economy agreement.

“Many of the Hispanic small businesses that we represent, such as those in the construction and supply industries, depend greatly on the operation of light trucks for the effective functioning of their businesses,” said David C. Lizárraga, USHCC Board Chair. “We commend the members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for recognizing the importance of this issue and supporting the Hispanic business community in this endeavor.”

In the effort to deal with rising prices for oil and gasoline, lawmakers are considering various proposals that would increase the mandatory minimum fuel economy standards, or CAFE as abbreviated in legislation. This is measured by an average of how many miles a vehicle can travel per gallon of gasoline in highway and urban settings. Several proposals emerged with competing visions of the regulation, but Congressional leaders announced a compromise agreement on November 30th that reconciled those differing proposals.

“The USHCC believes in the need to promote the long term sustainability of auto manufacturing in the United States and enthusiastically supports this agreement that balances energy security and the needs of our economy” said Michael L. Barrera, USHCC President and CEO. “We are thankful to both Representatives Solis and Grijalva for their leadership and support on this important effort.” “*

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