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White House Issues New Gas Mileage Standards
Hugh Pickens writes "NPR reports that the Obama administration has signed off on the nation's first rules on greenhouse gas emissions and set new fuel standards to meet a fleet-wide average of 35.5 mpg that will raise current standards by nearly 10 mpg by the 2016 model year. Although the new requirements would add an estimated $434 per vehicle in the 2012 model year and $926 per vehicle by 2016, drivers could save as much as $3,000 over the life of a vehicle through better gas mileage, according to a government statement. 'We will be helping American motorists save money at the pump, while putting less pollution in the air,' says Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Dave McCurdy, leader of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, a trade group representing 11 automakers, says the industry supports a single national standard for future vehicles. 'Today, the federal government has laid out a course of action through 2016, and now we need to work on 2017 and beyond.' As the auto industry seeks to emerge from ashes, many manufacturers already are trying for the right mix of approaches, experts say. Some will try to sell more hybrids. Others are introducing not-so-gas-guzzling SUVs. They may also push slightly downsized and small cars, such as the Ford Fiesta."
Considering that cars are one of the few products that are still manufactured in the US, I'd say it could be a bad thing. A country that thinks that it can survive on imports without making anything itself is going to get exactly what it deserves: bankrupcy.
It'll only accelerate the inevitable... a country that thinks it can survive by producing shitty products that get 1/2 the mileage, and 1/2 the mpg of imports gets it exactly what it deserves.
You don't get it. You don't get to choose what kind of car you drive anymore. That liberty was taken from you a long time ago. You will drive what the government says you can drive.
Reality check here for anonymous coward. The top 16 ships put out as much pollution as all of the worlds cars combined. Shipping is incredibly pollution heavy (I never said inefficient, read carefully next time) and cleaning that up would reap far more benefit for the environment than we could ever do by magically replaced every car on the planet with a prius.
"Social engineering is evil"
That is incredible stupid. It doesn't even make much sense.Your post indicates that you actually don't mind these laws, you just want them pointed a garbage trucks.
While cleaing all vehicles is a good idea, you statement about social engineering is just plain nonsense.
The Kruger Dunning explains most post on
Until those who are driving around overweight behemoths are made to pay for their huge negative externalities.
I don't see a case for making heavy vehicles paying for this externality when it is created by the drivers of lightweight cars.
Lighter cars grip the road less. Simple fact.
Yes, SUVs tip over. Because they're badly designed.
I had a witty, insightful reply all written up. Then I noticed your sig and realized you're one of those socialist, progressive idiots.
I hate socialism.