EPA should change testing for the Volt?

Being treated unfairly?

According to MotorTrend, the EPA and GM are having a problem agreeing how to define the Chevy Volt. For those driving less than 40 miles per day and that recharge every day, the Volt acts basically like an electric car. For those that drive longer distances, or don't recharge every day, then the Volt acts more like a hybrid. Unfortunately, EPA testing is not designed for such duality in capabilities and performance. Thus, the difference, as far as the EPA is concerned, is a 45 mpg EPA sticker, or a 100 mpg EPA sticker.

Should the EPA create a new classification for plug-in hybrids? If the Volt lives up to the hype, will the EPA sticker even matter?

Has the EPA lost all credibility?

Just a puppet of the US auto industry?

"This is a choice only you can make, but I ask you to think about the history and the future of the agency in making it," stated a memo by a senior career staffer in the EPA to Administrator Stephen Johnson regarding California's tailpipe waiver. "If you are asked to deny this waiver, I fear the credibility of the agency that we both love will be irreparably damaged."

"The eyes of the world are on you. It is obvious to me that there is no legal or technical justification for denying this".

I guess there was only politics. Do US a favor, Mr. Johnson, resign. It is your destiny.

California Emissions Suit: An American Tragedy

Congressional Hearing Today on California Emission Waiver

Congress, led by Barbara Boxer of California, intends to overturn the EPA's decision to deny California a waiver to determine its own tailpipe emissions. Yet, it's no wonder that the EPA ruled as it did, despite the fact that most EPA staffers felt the EPA had to rule in favor of California.

Ultimately, the entire US auto industry and a very important slice of the American manufacturing sector is at stake. And, while some might argue that automakers will get what they deserve, I still have the same lingering angst: Why does Congress continue to artificially deflate the cost of gasoline?

Cheap gas is and has been the root of America's foreign oil dependency, yet neither Barbara Boxer nor Nancy Pelosi have the guts to address this issue. Nor does the President or any other member of Congress. Of course, since we the people keep voting for these idiots, I guess we're the real fools.

California sues EPA

Governator is back against the EPA

As expected the state of California has filed a lawsuit against the EPA for denying the state a waiver to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

"(EPA officials) are ignoring the will of millions of people who want their government to take action in the fight against global warming," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a statement. "That's why, at the very first legal opportunity, we're suing to reverse the U.S. EPA's wrong decision."

California Attorney General, Jerry Brown, took the rhetoric one step further. "There's absolutely no justification for the administrator's action. It's illegal. It's unconscionable and a gross dereliction of duty."

Perhaps Toyota should just shut up?

It's not enough

I've defended Toyota against many environmentalists whom have attacked Toyota for joining the Big 3 against any serious increase in CAFE. I didn't do this because I agree with the Big 3 that America shouldn't be too aggressive on CAFE, I did this because Toyota really is probably doing more than any other major automaker when it comes to fuel economy, etc.

But, Toyota is only doing a little more than most other automakers.

The Toyota Prius might have given Toyota a little bit of a green halo, but it didn't make Toyota environmental saints. Toyota's hybrid cars are still only a small percent of their overall vehicle portfolio.

Thus, when I read Jim Lentz's statement supporting the EPA's decision not to provide California with its tailpipe waiver, I could only think just one thing; SHUT UP. Saying nothing would have been a far better choice because I guarantee the EPA's ruling is only going to invigorate hardcore greens, and I'm done defending Toyota.