Environmental issues continue to find attention in politics. Last week, the Senate passed an energy bill that called for the first increase in automobile efficiency in 32 years. Cars, small trucks, and SUVs would need to run 35 miles/gallon. Intended to be a step forward in the fight against global warming, the bill proposed an increase in the use of ethanol, predicting the use of 36 gallons a year by 2020. Finally, it called for an increase in the efficiency of appliances and lighting.
Such a decision could hurt profits of auto companies which have strongly opposed any increase for the past few decades. Even though the technology to make these changes is available, the new taxes on automaking companies would hurt the large profits they’ve been building up.
However, these measure could save 1.1 million barrels of oil a day (by 2020). A reduction of greenhouse gases by 20 million tons has been predicted. Finally, consumers would save money on fuel. The bill is now at the House, and a vote is expected within the week, though Bush says he will veto if the oil industry taxes are not removed. According to Sen. Daniel Inouye, the bill “demonstrates to the world that America is a leader in fighting global warming.” Considering how much we’ve contributed to global warming, I’d say it’s about time for some of these changes.
Sources:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-congress-energy,0,438578.story
http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/20071201/lawmakers-reach-gas-mileage-boost-deal_1.htm
