[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 42 (Monday, October 23, 2000)]
[Page 2524]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on General Motors Success in Tripling Average Fuel Economy

October 20, 2000

    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 8 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 5 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.