The Washington Post has a really good, comprehensive piece today on the waning influence of Michigan and the automotive industry in Washington. It’s all stuff that we’ve discussed here before, but, when you read it all together in one place, the impression you’re left with is both clear and overwhelming… The Big 3 were never ever acting in good faith with the federal government concerning emissions and fuel efficiency… And we all know how the story ends.
…Dingell stepped in on the industry’s behalf and persuaded lawmakers to weaken the bill. The final version called for raising the average fuel economy from 27 to 35 miles per gallon by 2020. The California law requires automobiles to get 43.7 mpg by 2016.
But Dingell’s action cost him. To get his way, he crossed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and although Pelosi did not later take a public position on the committee leadership battle between Dingell and Waxman, she also did not step in to defend the longtime chairman….
California now controls our destiny, and we have no one to blame but ourselves.
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I got an invite to the Dingell luncheon at state convention yesterday. I wonder what they’re going to say about the year?
He’ll talk about healthcare.
Get this – Pelosi is hosting a reception honoring Dingell, as he becomes the longest serving member of the House. Awkward.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-mi-pelosi-dingell,0,4105876.story
Like striking up a conversation alone with a blog aquaintance at a trough urinal awkward?
Here’s Dingell’s new newsletter. It should give you some idea what he’ll talk about.