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Today's Poll!Opinion: Fuel efficiency rules
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
From Aug. 31, 2012, The Republican, Springfield, Mass., on new rules for auto fuel efficiency:
You can't please all of the people all of the time.
But you can sometimes come awfully close.
When you can please the big auto makers at the same time that you are making environmental groups happy, you must be doing something right. And if you do this with a cheer from big labor even while getting a green light from the state of California, which has at times been in the habit of making its own rules, then your plan must be pure magic.
What's making everyone so happy? The Environmental Protection Agency's new rules on auto fuel efficiency. Is there anyone who doesn't like the new standards, which were issued on Aug. 28? Oh, sure — Republicans and their presidential nominee, former Bay State Gov. Mitt Romney. But given that the new rules came out of the White House, this should come as no surprise. But the new standards, which would require auto fleets to average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025, were OK with just about everyone else.
It's worth noting how far — and how fast — the nation has moved on this front. A mere five years ago lawmakers were debating whether it would be possible to require an average of 30 mpg by 2025. Compared with the new rules, they were talking small potatoes.
Savings at the pump. More energy independence. A cleaner environment. Technological breakthroughs.
These are just some of the reasons why the EPA's new fuel-efficiency standards are such a winning proposition. Opponents' arguments? They simply don't like regulations.
Thankfully, the more sensible side is carrying the day.
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Comments
FussyOno 8 months, 1 week ago
Yeah, the gop hates it because big oil hates it. They even go so far as to say it's not possible or will cost huge sums of money. That's funny because I used to own a ford festiva 5 speed that would get me 48 - 50 mpg at 70 mph with mostly full throttle acceleration. The technology has already existed for years. Romney and his cronies like Akin wish to remain in the stone age and force you there also.
JCLifer 8 months, 1 week ago
yeah, I had an Escort in 1981 that averaged 45 MPG. That was with 1981 gasoline. The ethanol laced gas gives 20-30% less efficiency.
When these standards go into effect, we will look back at the Toyota Prius and think "What a huge car that old hog was". The new cars will be tiny tin cans and very uncomfortable for fat people.
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