Automakers, emissions, and hybrid cars

Daniel Becker, a director at the Sierra Club, is applauding Canada's agreement with the world's largest automakers to reduce vehicle emissions. According to the DetroitNews, Becker believes the move will make it harder for automakers to argue their case against similar legislation in the U.S..

The Detroit news also stated that Canada's agreement was roughly equivalent to California's demands.

I don't get it.

I thought the California plan was a two phase project? While the first phases might be similar, there is no agreed upon second phase of the Canada plan. On the contrary, the real bite of the California plan, the second phase, requires 30% less emissions by 2016.

6% versus 30% is no big difference?

Anyway, I'm tired of hearing about costs from automakers.

How much tax payer money has been spent in the Middle East protecting oil? How much is it going to cost to protect the coasts from rising Oceans? What are the health care costs of SMOG-related illnesses?

What, automakers can only do the right thing if the government mandates it?

Hybrid technology has demonstrated that foreign-oil independence is ultimately achievable with today's technology. It has also shown that hybrid SUVs such as the Ford Escape hybrid and the Toyota Highlander hybrid can perform just as well as conventional SUVs, even better, while significantly reducing pollution and the need for oil.

More important hybrid cars have created a discussion. Maybe lighter vehicles are a good idea. Maybe scaling auto size down a little wouldn't be that bad. More and more Americans are open to change and many Americans are beginning to demand change.

Can American automakers change?