The Democratic presidential candidates' comments on fuel efficiency

Here, on the issue of fuel efficiency, are the answers from Democrats Wesley Clark, Howard Dean, Sen. John Edwards, Sen. John Kerry, Rep. Dennis Kucinich, Sen. Joe Lieberman and Al Sharpton.

Clark: "We now have the know-how and technology to make cars and SUVs that go twice as far on a gallon of gas by using more efficient engines and transmissions, including hybrid cars that use both gasoline and an electric motor. As president, in consultation with scientists, environmental groups, industry, and others, I will set new standards to raise the fuel economy and reduce the emissions of cars, SUVs, and light trucks."

Dean: "I support an across-the-board corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standard of 37.5 mpg by 2015. This would apply to all passenger vehicles, and would require a closing of the SUV loophole."

Edwards: "I support real increases in CAFE standards. As we implement those increases, we must also invest far more in fuel-efficiency technology."

Kerry: "I support updating CAFE standards to 36 miles per gallon by 2015. This proposal will reduce America's dependence on oil by saving 2 million barrels of oil per day -- almost as much as we currently import from the Persian Gulf. It will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, smog and ozone pollution."

Kucinich: "The technology already exists to make light trucks that achieve 40 mpg and cars 45 mpg, and I will establish those standards as one early step in a major shift away from the use of fossil fuels."

Lieberman: "My 'Declaration of Energy Independence' calls for CAFE standards to be set at a level that will save 2 million barrels of oil per day by 2015. According to estimates provided during last year's energy debate, this would require CAFE standards to be raised to 40 miles per gallon. ... In addition, the fuel efficiency standards should apply to SUVs as well as to passenger automobiles."

Sharpton: "They should go up to at least 33 on vehicles and up to 24 to 25 with SUVs."

Generally, the democratic candidates support increases in CAFE, however Clark and Edwards seem to be cautious about the numbers. For the positions taken by the Democratic candidates on Technology Issues, see here,here, and, here.