Bryan lauds mileage legislation

Last month, President Obama signed legislation requiring stricter fuel efficiency standards in U.S. cars. It was one of the principal legislative interests of Nevada’s Richard Bryan when he served as a U.S. senator from 1989 to 2001.

After reading Obama’s statement at the signing ceremony, Bryan said, “Brings back memories of my own efforts in the late ’80s and ’90s. … [T]he Big Three in an unholy alliance with the UAW [United Auto Workers] effectively derailed those efforts. The UAW said it was a jobs issue. Compare the level of their membership today with what it was in the ’80s. The Big Three said it couldn’t be done. Everyone would have to drive a sub-compact. If we would have only done it then. The President deserves a pat on the back.”

In remarks at the signing ceremony, attended by auto executives, Obama said, “As some of you may know, it’s only a matter of time until Malia gets her learner’s permit, so I’m hoping to see one of those models that gets a top speed of 15 miles an hour [and] the ejector seat anytime boys are in the car. So, hopefully you guys have some of those in the pipeline.”