http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/059/nation/Kerry_s_idea_on_diesel_fu el_irks_environmentalists+.shtml Boston Globe Online / Nation | World / Kerry's idea on diesel fuel irks environmentalists
By Robert Schlesinger, Globe Staff, 2/28/2002 WASHINGTON - Senator John F. Kerry's effort to require increased fuel efficiency in cars drew criticism from an unlikely source yesterday - environmentalists who are usually his staunch allies. They reacted negatively after Kerry told reporters he would consider supporting the option of increased use of diesel fuel in automobiles. Kerry is the lead sponsor of a proposal that would raise the fuel-efficiency standard to 35 miles per gallon by 2013, up from the current average of 25 miles per gallon. He estimates such a change would save 3 million barrels of oil per day by 2020. In answering a reporter's query, he noted that many European vehicles use diesel to increase fuel efficiency. ''I would personally be willing to embrace bringing diesel into the mix,'' Kerry said. ''The gains in terms of fuel are extraordinary.'' The Clinton administration in 1999 issued rules lowering the allowable amount of diesel emissions from cars; diesel emissions are carcinogenic. Word of Kerry's comments spread quickly among environmental activists in Washington. ''Stunned surprise I guess is the initial reaction,'' said Frank O'Donnell of the Clean Air Trust. ''There's no person in the environmental community who would trade higher fuel efficiency for more cancer-causing diesels.'' Kerry's office moved quickly to control any damage, and he issued a statement last night clarifying his comments. ''I'm not suggesting any reductions in diesel standard,'' Kerry said. ''I'm reiterating my strong belief that in spite of the industry's utter refusal to negotiate in good faith, there should be room for reasonable, rational debate about how to unite senators around a significant effort in fuel efficiency to help reduce dependence on foreign oil.'' The statement appeared to mollify some in the environmental community. ''Ruling nothing out isn't the same as ruling something in,'' said Dan Becker of the Sierra Club. ''I would be very surprised if there is any effort to weaken the Clean Air Act as part of this energy bill.'' This story ran on page A7 of the Boston Globe on 2/28/2002. © Copyright 2002 Globe Newspaper Company. ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> Buy Stock for $4. No Minimums. FREE Money 2002. http://us.click.yahoo.com/BgmYkB/VovDAA/ySSFAA/9bTolB/TM ---------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Biofuels at Journey to Forever http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Biofuel at WebConX http://www.webconx.com/2000/biofuel/biofuel.htm To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
