Albuquerque, NM - During his time in Congress, Steve Pearce has opposed policies to save New Mexicans money on gasoline, reduce traffic, and reduce air pollution according to an analysis released by Environment New Mexico today.
“For decades, Big Oil, the automakers, the highway lobby and other powerful interests have held sway over transportation policy in Washington, D.C. Now, America’s drivers and our environment are paying the price,” said Ivan Frishberg for Environment New Mexico. “Steve Pearce has consistently sided with Big Oil and other powerful interests on issue after issue important to New Mexico drivers.”
In their online publication discussing how outdated transportation policy in Washington DC keeps New Mexico hooked on oil and stuck in traffic, Environment New Mexico documented that the representative has been a consistent no vote on transportation issues. Specifically, Steve Pearce:
• Opposed increases in fuel economy standards for cars that will save New Mexicans at the pump, cut oil consumption in New Mexico, and reduce global warming pollution.
• Opposed incentives for plug-in hybrid cars that can get up to 100 mpg. If run on clean electricity, plug-in hybrids can reduce air pollution that puts the health of 1.4 million New Mexican residents at risk.
• Opposed legislation to invest in improving America’s passenger rail system, which can provide a cleaner alternative to the hassles of flying and driving.
• Took $46,650 in campaign contributions from the oil industry during the 2007-2008 Congress.
Environment New Mexico’s report pointed out that the state faces big transportation challenges, including congestion, pollution, and the high cost of gas. The group advocates for meeting those challenges by using existing technology to make cars and trucks that use less gas and produce less pollution, relieving pressure on overcrowded roads by providing transportation choices such as modern public transit to more Americans, and taking advantage of clean, alternative sources of energy.
“By electing Tom Udall, New Mexico drivers can ensure that they have a champion in Congress who will stand up to the auto industry, Big Oil and other powerful interests and work for real solutions to safeguard drivers’ pocketbooks, clean up our air, and keep New Mexico moving,” Frishberg concluded.
The complete report can be found at: http://www.environmentnewmexico.org/reports/election-2008-reports2/election-2008-reports/rep.-pearce-bad-for-drivers-and-our-air
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Paid for by Environment New Mexico at www.EnvironmentNewMexico.org
and Environment America at www.EnvironmentAmerica.org.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
