AAA urges Congress to act on fuel economy in wake of Katrina

"Too many gasoline blends, an outdated fuel economy test and too many large vehicles, have contributed to making the nation's gasoline supply vulnerable in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina", according to AAA. (Full Press Release)

If automakers are unwilling to make more fuel efficient vehicles, then AAA urges Congress to force automakers to act via stricter CAFE requirements, which have become a loophole for the most fuel-inefficient vehicles. "As Hurricane Katrina has reminded us, we are never more than a disaster away from this type of crisis."

Of course don't expect changes anytime soon from the likes of GM, which "delayed some mid-sized car programs in order to speed the launch of its full-sized SUV and pickup programs, code-named GMT900," according to AutoWeek.

Good to know GM is doing its share in the aftermath of Katrina.

I couldn't believe how many Hummer commercials I watched this weekend. The Nation is facing a gasoline crisis, the President has asked Americans to conserve gasoline, yet GM advertises the Hummer. How about advertising their fuel economy vehicles for a few weeks in the wake of Katrina? How pathetic.

Congress refuses to act on this issue claiming market forces will resolve the problem. If so, why is GM still a couple years away from its first hybrid cars? Ohh, excuse me, its first hybrid land yachts.