Senate: No Interest in Fuel Economy, maybe hybrids
The Senate will not touch fuel economy standards for trucks and SUVs. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted 7-15 to defeat an amendment offered by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., that would have raised the fuel economy requirements of sport utility vehicles and light trucks to 27.5 miles a gallon by 2011 (MotorTrend)
Currently, the standard is 21 mpg. Of course this is via the EPA, which means that in real world driving, most SUVs and trucks are achieving far less than EPA standards.
Hybrid critics consistently mention the fact that hybrid cars don't meet EPA estimates. Yet, according to studies most vehicles fall far short of EPA estimates, by as much as 30%. In stop-and-go traffic, hybrids such as the Prius or Escape hybrid, actually come very close to EPA estimates. Most trucks and SUVs, on the other hand, don't come close to their EPA estimates, and in terms of pollution, these vehicles are gross-polluters in such conditions.
Nonetheless, the Senate has stated that it won't touch fuel economy. Still, it is leaning towards tax credits for hybrids and other clean technologies.
Currently, the standard is 21 mpg. Of course this is via the EPA, which means that in real world driving, most SUVs and trucks are achieving far less than EPA standards.
Hybrid critics consistently mention the fact that hybrid cars don't meet EPA estimates. Yet, according to studies most vehicles fall far short of EPA estimates, by as much as 30%. In stop-and-go traffic, hybrids such as the Prius or Escape hybrid, actually come very close to EPA estimates. Most trucks and SUVs, on the other hand, don't come close to their EPA estimates, and in terms of pollution, these vehicles are gross-polluters in such conditions.
Nonetheless, the Senate has stated that it won't touch fuel economy. Still, it is leaning towards tax credits for hybrids and other clean technologies.
Labels: Escape hybrid, Ford, Ford Escape hybrid, hybrid trucks, Hybrid Vehicles, prius, toyota
posted by Dahcredyns at
7:58 AM
3 Comments:
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Diesel Hummer Credit
Maybe I should try to get the word out a little more, that in the strange world of energy credits and subsidies, people are seriously talking about a new reward for Hummer buyers.
more here:
http://odograph.com/index.php?p=134
Unfortunately, you are correct, a diesel-hybrid Hummer might be possible under the Clean Vehicle Tax Credit. Additionally, a fuel cell Hummer might also qualify.
Thus far the Federal government has made it blatantly obvious that they are not going to tackle fuel economy, and overall, the credits will do little to force automakers to act more fuel efficiently.
In some ways, I agree with you that, perhaps, tax credits are almost counter-productive....almost.
Obscenities, such as the Hummer, are not going to be outlawed by the government anytime soon. At least they could be made to be much more efficient.
I know, arguably, that it is only the lessor of two evils, but I think tax credits are still worthy.
Nonetheless, let's promote the Patriot Tax Credit for anyone that has a vehicle that achieves 35 mpg, or something like that???
America's in a crappy situation. Congress created loopholes for SUVs and trucks that were very profitable for the auto industry. So profitable, they didn't focus on much else.
Now, if we raise fuel efficiency, Ford and GM might not survive, so Congress has to AGAIN protect auto-maker's shareholder-driven inefficiency because so many American pension and health benefits are at stake.
What percentage of Ford shareholders live in the U.S. anyway?
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