Campaign Statement Says: "Innovation and determination trump inaction. Ford, GM, and Chrysler hit the breaks and plead for taxpayer help, while the Bay Area accelerates towards breaking oil addiction and jumpstarting the green economy."

SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- Global Exchange Campaign Director Nick Magel today released the following statement in response the Bay Area's unprecedented commitment to break the United States oil addiction.

"The day after CEOs of Ford, GM, and Chrysler pleaded to Congress for $25 billion taxpayer dollars, the US auto industry received yet another wake up call that they are driving in circles. The Auto Industry, which has routinely resisted major change from seat belts to air bags and pollution controls, is now being leap-frogged by automobile start-ups like Better Place, which is pushing innovation to break our oil addiction."

"This $1 billion infrastructure investment is sure to pack more of a punch than a proposed $25 billion bailout for Ford, GM, and Chrysler to merely continue business as usual. Our climate crisis calls for bold action, and once again, with forethought and leadership the Bay Area leads the way towards achieving oil free transportation systems. Detroit would do well to follow suit."

"Instead of combating global warming pollution, automakers have asked for taxpayer handouts. The Auto Industry must return to being America's cornerstone industry of innovation. The industry has a critical role to play in creating new manufacturing jobs, curbing climate change climate and securing our future. It's time for Ford, GM, and Chrysler to put up, or go belly up."

"The impact of today's announcement has an immediate and profound impact in CA where GM, Ford, and Toyota have long bemoaned fuel efficiency standards and zero emission vehicles. The project sends a clear signal to the auto industry that it's time to break away from gas guzzlers and join the clean car revolution that is quickly leaving them in the dust."

The Freedom from Oil campaign is working to end America's oil dependence, reduce oil related conflicts, and stop global climate change by convincing the auto industry to dramatically improve fuel efficiency and eliminate vehicle greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information, visit www.globalexchange.org
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