What do you think about Congress' compromise on new US fuel efficiency standards?

Question

Congressional negotiators reached a deal late Friday on energy legislation that would force American automakers to improve the fuel efficiency of their cars and light trucks by 40 percent by 2020.

The proposal, which would require automakers to achieve 35 miles per gallon on average, is similar to a measure that was passed in the summer by the Senate but was bitterly opposed by the auto companies.

The compromise should ensure passage in the House, although the Senate may insist on changes. It does not appear to include provisions, like $16 billion in new taxes on the oil industry, that drew a veto threat from President Bush.

even if they meet the law’s mandate, the fuel efficiency of the American car fleet will still lag far behind that of other major industrialized countries.

European auto companies, for example, must average 40 mpg and China requires a 35 mpg standard.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/01/washington/01energy.html?th&emc=th

What do you think of these new standards?

Answer 1

Anyone would love to an SUV that gets 40+ miles to the gallon. People would be beating down the doors to get their hands on one. What's sad is that the government has to mandate what should be good business sense.

Answer 2

1.Improvement in gas mileage is a very good goal

2. The principles of physics can not be violated. There is a maximum of gas mileage possible given for each specification. (Larger vehicles require more energy.)

3.The real problem is how many persons are transported from here to there for each gallon of gas. A car that gets 25 miles per gallon with four passengers will get the same or a little more than a 50 miles per gallon car with 2 passengers expressed as ( Person Miles / Gallon) =(number of passengers) x (miles/ gallon)

4. Increased weight due to additional passengers is a factor that lessens (miles/gallon)

5. More buses and public transportation to increase the amount of ( Person Miles / Gallon).

Answer 3

At least its a step forward. I would like to see a total change in ten years from fossil fuel engines to electric engines in the city areas which will cut down pollution to an acceptable level.
I have seen some golf karts and their performance were just great. Why don't the giant oil corps. invest in these electric driven cars ? They can monopolise and replace all the public transport with electrical driven engines with the same profits without having to go to war.

Answer 4

gas conservation can not in any respect be legislated. it is going to continuously be a individual decision depending upon the elements of fee and necessity. If gas were better expensive, there might want to come a element the position human beings would not force as quickly, some distance or in this style of enormous automobile. we are only about at that element in united states of america, yet have not yet reached severe mass to the position the automobile manufacturers are providing better alternatives for gas economic device.

Answer 5

Just like in the past either it will be relaxed or not enforced. It is a joke, our so called leaders do not have the wherewithall to stand up to any lobbyist let alone the car manufacturers and the UAW. Just like Kennedy's promise to reach the moon by a certain date we need a leader who will stand up and commit to hydrogen cars by a certain date. Domestic military vehicles would be a great place to start.

Answer 6

Sounds like you are fishing for public opinion. If you have a problem with what has happened, write to your Senator and Congressman?

Answer 7

That's all it is -a compromise. How about bringing back the electric car.

Answer 8

Hey, it's the first time a change will be made in 32 YEARS !!!

Answer 9

It will only apply to people who can afford new cars.