Senators Pappageorge, Kahn, Kuipers, Patterson, Bishop, Jelinek, Cropsey, Garcia and Barcia offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 12.

            A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to refrain from raising C.A.F.E. mileage standards.

            Whereas, Since the enactment of the Energy Policy Conservation Act in 1975, Corporate Average Fuel Economy mileage standards have been in place for passenger cars and light trucks. Over the course of the past 30 years, these standards have had virtually no impact at all in lowering the country's per capita consumption of gasoline or in reducing the nation's thirst for energy. During this same period, the market responses to price fluctuations have proven far more effective in encouraging innovation, new technologies, and the development of alternative fuels; and

            Whereas, There is a move to increase C.A.F.E. standards in an effort to reduce our country's use of fuel. This government mandate represents a very real and serious threat to the lifeblood of Michigan's economy--the automobile industry. Even at a time when this vital industry is reeling from losses that run at record levels, however, efforts to raise the mileage requirements dramatically have drawn support from some in Michigan.; and

            Whereas, Those who follow the auto industry closely and who study the challenges facing it have expressed repeatedly their grave concerns that major increases in mileage requirements could mean the loss of tens of thousands more Michigan jobs; and

            Whereas, Clearly, this is the time for Michigan to come together to resist the effort to increase C.A.F.E. standards. This issue, which is fundamental to our economic future, requires people of both parties to stand up for our most important industry and the men and women who derive their livelihoods from it. We invite the Governor to join in this bipartisan move to stand up for the auto industry and encourage change and innovation in more effective ways; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to refrain from raising C.A.F.E. mileage standards; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Office of the Governor, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.