"Automakers Urge Congress Not To Block New Emissions Limits"

"Washington -- Detroit's Big Three automakers, Toyota Motor Corp., and six other automakers urged Congress Wednesday not to bar the Environmental Protection Agency from setting the first-ever limits on tailpipe emissions.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers -- which includes General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co., Chrysler Group LLC, Daimler AG, BMW AG and Volkswagen AG -- sent a letter Wednesday to congressional leaders urging them to reject efforts led by Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, to overturn the EPA's finding that greenhouse gas emissions are a danger to public health.

Dave McCurdy, the alliance's president and CEO, warned that a deal reached last May between the White House, automakers and 13 states led by California would "collapse" if the EPA decision is overturned."

David Shepardson reports for the Detroit News March 17, 2010.