Every time I see a Hummer or Suburban roll by at 10 mpg I want to pull the driver over and give him or her a lecture on the critical need to change our wasteful energy habits. Probably all I would get for my efforts would be a response with the right hand like that Alabama legislator got. There is a better way to do something about global warming and foreign oil dependency. Require an increase in vehicle fuel efficiency. Despite advances in technology fuel economy standards have remained stagnant. Average fleet fuel economy has actually declined with the popularity of big SUVs. Nothing like wrapping yourself in tons of steel to make one feel secure in an age were feelings of security are hard to find.
A bipartisan group of senators introduced the Ten-in-Ten Fuel Economy Act this year. The bill requires an increase in average fuel economy of cars, SUVs and pickups of approximately 10 mpg over ten years and an increase to 35 mpg by 2019. Automakers can meet these standards with available technology. The price of vehicle would increase some, but the higher price ($1,100 average) would be offset by fuel savings within three years or less depending on the price of fuel. The Union of Concerned Scientists estimates that by 2025 the U.S. could save as much oil as we currently import from the Persian Gulf and reduce global emissions by 358 million metric tons or the equivalent of taking 50 million of today's vehicles off the road. A Senate subcommittee has passed out a weaker version of the bill. Take action by calling your senators and asking for support of the bill as originally written. Capitol switchboard: 202-224-3121