State of the Union: Is 20 percent enough?

This Yukon hybrid is more than 20 percent more fuel efficient than a standard Yukon

So President Bush wants to decrease gas consumption by 20 percent in the next 10 years. Is it enough? Is it too much? Already the Big 3 are complaining that it's too much. Environmentalists and national security hawks are complaining that it's too little.

Toyota was supportive. Isn't that interesting?

GM now has the technology to convert any of its gas-guzzling SUVs into hybrid vehicles that are at least 25 percent more fuel efficient than non-hybrid models. GM also has flex-fuel hybrid vehicles that are production ready, and GM has a Volt concept that could achieve 150 mpg for those that drive less than 60 miles per day.

DaimlerChrysler also has GM's dual mode hybrid technology. Ford has hybrid technology.

So, the Big 3 could begin to make all vehicles 25 percent more fuel efficient right now, while investing in the technologies that could keep significantly increasing fuel efficiency with each generation of technology, such as a 100 mpg Prius that isn't a plug-in? In addition, there is flex-fuel, clean diesel and bio-diesel to help?

The Big 3 should accept 20 percent as a minimum. The technology to achieve 20 percent is available today. Instead of focusing on why it can't be done, the Big 3 should focus on how they will get it done. Make a plea for incentives. Be productive. Stop complaining. Stop making excuses.