American Energy Policy, Asleep at the Spigot

Nelson D. Schwartz's report in today's New York Times included the bi-partisan opposition to increased Corporate Average Fuel Economy [CAFE] standards for vehicles in 1990. Those voting against included Senators Carl Levin (D-MI) and Jesse Helms (R-NC). The article originally said,

Mr. Levin and Mr. Helms didn't return calls for comment.

The online version now has this correction.

An article today in Sunday Business about missed opportunities to reduce America’s dependence on imported oil refers to a 1990 effort by Senator Jesse Helms, Republican of North Carolina, to block higher mileage requirements for vehicles and notes that Mr. Helms did not return calls seeking comment. The section went to press on Thursday, before Mr. Helms’s death Friday morning.