A
social revolution to get CAFE right?
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Is
the public for or against such vehicles?
I'm not a big fan of CAFE. Ultimately, I think 35 mpg by
2020 is largely worthless legislation that will be filled
with loopholes. Still, new CAFE legislation will at least
create a little momentum towards better fuel economy.
David Kiley of BW has an interesting blog
on this topic. Ultimately, the government is going to have
to provide uncapped tax incentives for hybrid
cars, clean diesels, etc - something I
called for this morning - to make CAFE worthwhile.
Additionally, Kiley calls for a gas-guzzler tax that I
love.
Now, if you need a large SUV, you can apply for a license
that demonstrates your need, but if you're a single guy in
a Toyota Sequoia, then you're paying a gas-guzzler tax. I
think that's a fair idea, but one that has no chance in
hell of being legislated.
Ultimately, I believe CAFE has no chance to help America.
It's a complete waste of time. Until Americans start
paying more of the real cost of gasoline at the pump - a
price that would probably be close to $10.00 per gallon -
America has little hope of addressing energy independence
and global warming in today's political world.
Inevitably, I don't believe most American's want to pay
higher prices for anything; cars, fuel, etc., but it's the
only way forward. Of course, advocating such a thing is
political suicide.
As Kiley states, "Europeans who have accepted higher
petrol prices, smaller vehicles and clean diesel, have
also accepted the idea that they are all in the battle
against pollution together. It is a mindset created by
government, schools, businesses and activist groups, Moms,
etc. That’s what we need in the U.S.—-increased social
pressure, fueled and supported by government and the
media, to do the right thing."
Is America ready for such a social revolution? Yeah,
right.
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