THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Jefferson City, Missouri)
_______________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release October 20,
2000
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
I congratulate General Motors on the news today that its Precept
hybrid vehicle has achieved fuel economy of 80 miles per gallon. This
extraordinary achievement is the result in part of a government-industry
effort, the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles, begun by Vice
President Gore in 1994. The goal set then, in the face of strong
skepticism, was to triple average fuel economy. This car meets that test.
Today's announcement is further evidence that the investments in clean
energy technologies we have made over the last eight years are paying off.
The benefits of these investments include not only improved gas mileage and
a cleaner environment, but also reduced dependence on foreign oil. These
technologies are a cornerstone of this Administration's effective and
forward-looking energy and environmental policy.
Indeed, while America's gross domestic product has grown by more than
20 percent over the last five years, energy usage has increased by less
than 8 percent. This trend of reduced energy intensity in our economy is
critical to ensuring a healthy environment and strong, sustainable economic
growth.
But we must do more. Unfortunately, Congress has refused to act on
our package of consumer tax credits -- including credits of up to $4,000
for consumers to purchase the next generation of fuel efficient vehicles.
At a time that America's business leaders are making headlines every day
with new investments in clean energy technologies, it is time that Congress
joins us in these important efforts to strengthen America's energy
security.
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