In 2007 Illinois' representatives in Washington supported the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) - a comprehensive and aggressive federal response to the climate change issue. Under this legislation the national fuel economy average will increase a minimum 40 percent 2020, resulting in a minimum 30 percent reduction in CO2 emissions.

• Less than a week after taking office, President Obama recently directed the Department of Transportation to quickly finalize the new CAFE standards.
• Now some in Illinois want the state to abandon the federal program and adopt California's fuel economy standards. These standards were designed by California legislators and regulators - with California's unique climate, geography and fleet mix in mind. By adopting the California standards, Illinois is effectively ceding its authority to a state that is vastly different and tying itself to all future regulatory changes that California makes. Most importantly, adopting California's standards could actually mean an increase in greenhouse gas emissions from the federal plan.
• Adoption of CA LEV will not support the state's commitment to E85 technology and infrastructure. Automobile manufacturers get no credit toward their CO2 fleet averages for producing or selling E85 vehicles. An expert retained by California to testify on the issue of alternative fuels stated, under oath, that it would not be prudent for vehicle manufacturers to rely on the sale of E85 vehicles to generate sufficient credits to comply with the greenhouse gas standards included in CA LEV.
• Consumer choice, specifically in reference to the availability of light trucks and SUVs, will be severely limited as manufacturers attempt to meet the California fuel economy standards. Significant reductions in vehicle choice will disproportionately impact large families and industries, such as agriculture and construction, which rely heavily on larger cars, SUVs, and light trucks.