DETROIT - Labor and environmental leaders will meet the news media in Detroit on Tuesday, Jan. 17, after testifying at U.S. EPA/NHTSA public hearings on proposed new standards on fuel economy and emissions.

Who:       Bob King, President, UAW

               Larry Schweiger, CEO, National Wildlife Federation (NWF)

               David Foster, Executive Director, BlueGreen Alliance (BGA)

When:     Tuesday, Jan. 17.  Testimony to begin at 10 a.m.; press availability to follow immediately afterwards (approximately 10:45 am)

Where:   Detroit Courtyard Marriott, 333 E. Jefferson, Detroit

What:     Press availability, following testimony at U.S. EPA/NHTSA public hearing.

Background:  Labor and environmental leaders will join auto manufacturers, suppliers, educators, citizens and other stakeholders to give testimony about new fuel economy and auto emissions standards proposed by the Obama Administration.  The proposed standards will raise overall U.S. fuel economy to 54.5 mpg by 2025, while also limiting greenhouse gas emissions.
 

UAW President Bob King, NWF CEO Larry Schweiger, and BGA Executive Director David Foster will be available to the news media following their testimony to discuss the economic, environmental and consumer impact of the proposed standards.  The new rules are projected to significantly reduce U.S. fuel consumption, save consumers money at the gas pump, and protect wildlife and the environment by reducing vehicle emissions. 
 

In addition, outfitting cars and trucks with technology required to meet the proposed standards is expected to expand markets, sales and profits for automakers and auto suppliers and create new job opportunities for American auto workers.  

At present, an estimated 150,000 U.S. autoworkers are employed producing clean and efficient vehicles and their components -- including advanced internal combustion, hybrid, and electric cars and trucks -- at 300 firms in 43 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.

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The UAW is one of the nation's most diverse labor unions, with members in automobile, aerospace and agricultural equipment manufacturing, as well as education, health care, gaming and other industries.  

 
The National Wildlife Federation is America's largest conservation organization, inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children's future.     

The BlueGreen Alliance is a national, strategic partnership between labor unions and environmental organizations dedicated to expanding the number and quality of jobs in the green economy.