Congress Going Green
December 3, 2007
Those in the know, know that Congress has decided to go green. They have planned to increase fuel efficiency in automobiles to 35 miles a gallon, up from today’s 25 miles a gallon standard, by the year 2020. The move maybe to ease the consumer mind on fuel prices than actually doing it for the environment, but in either case, it’s a step up.
In today’s world, we’re seeing more countries starting their addiction on oil. China and India are guzzling Texas Tea quicker everyday, but regardless of the 2 billion plus people, the United States actually uses more gas. Our cars are built differently.
In China, vehicles average around 30mpg – set to rise to 35mpg by 2009 according to the Union of Concerened Scientists. Europe averages 37mpg going for 50mpg and Japan is at a strong 45mpg. This is largely in part of the price of oil. In countries that have a high price of oil, car manufactures adapted and created cars that are efficient.
So why does the shift need to occur by 2020, why not today? There is probably a briefcase full of money involved somewhere down the line, but hybrids and diesels for Americans need to be luxury enough for Americans. We need 18 inch rims standard and a navigation screen – in color, touchscreen.
