Bill to raise fuel economy to 35 mpg by 2017

There is a move in the Senate to raise the average fuel economy to 35 mpg from 25 mpg by 2017. (more)

Surprise, surprise Detroit doesn't want to be forced to make more fuel efficient vehicles, but they want the oil industry to be forced to use ethanol. Shouldn't Detroit focus more on its core business - making cars, especially more fuel efficient cars?

Of course ethanol should be explored, but the science behind ethanol is still very conflicted, yet one thing seems clear: If GM just makes more and more Hummers, Tahoes, and Escalades ethanol really isn't going to help reduce foreign oil dependency that much.

Anyway, the technology to achieve this new fuel economy threshold already exists today and with advancements in hybrid technology, it is conceivable that even today's worst gas-guzzlers could achieve this new limit with such hybrid technology.

Ultimately, the entire issue is cost, or profit. While I understand that businesses have to make a profit, when that profit can only be made at the expense of the safety of the people, is their product worthwhile?

When numerous ex CIA officials and National Security experts agree that foreign oil dependency is possibly the greatest issue facing U.S. national security can we continue to tolerate excuse after excuse from automakers?

How many more 9/11s do we need? How many more 100s of billions of dollars do we need to spend protecting our right to cheap oil?

Be part of the solution Detroit, not part of the problem.