Help Pave The Way For Greener Cars

Written by Ricardo R. Arnett    Wednesday, 01 April 2009

I support President Obama's directive to the Transportation Department requiring automakers to boost fuel efficiency for 2011 model cars ("The push is on for greener cars," Money, Tuesday). I also think allowing California to require more stringent greenhouse gas limits, which the Bush administration blocked, is an idea whose time has come. Maybe this time, rather than make special cars for California, the industry will adapt the standards for all vehicles. Some people in the auto industry object because "the moves could narrow car-buying options." My reply: "So what?" I would have no problem if my Ford didn't look very different from my neighbor's Chevy, if I thought I had successfully participated in reducing our dependence on foreign oil producers, some of whom might sponsor terrorism. Giving up a bit of style or size is one way we citizens can help make our country and the world a safer place. Besides, we Americans have enjoyed meeting the challenge to sacrifice things when it puts us in a position to end up the winner. This change has the potential for a big high-five down the road. Let's get it done. Jack Harney Venice, Fla. Focus on one standard President Obama's efforts to tighten auto standards come on the heels of other reversals of Bush policy. This action seems to be merely a demonstration of his stance on environmental policy or perhaps he is trying to distance himself from the Bush administration. Forcing automakers to develop cars to fit the new national fuel-efficiency standards and California's more stringent ones, if the waiver is granted, will only complicate an already sickly market. It would be better to focus on developing vehicles to fit one standard. Our auto industry is inadequately financed and would falter if forced to meet the demands of both policies. Meaghan McCafferty Fountainville, Pa. Let government buy cars Instead of coercing automakers to make greener cars or rescuing Detroit with vague loans, why not put federal dollars and policy to work more coherently by buying cars directly? The Obama administration has already proposed spending $600 million for new cars for government agencies. Why not order a billion dollars' worth of green vehicles each from General Motors, Ford and Chrysler? Not only would this get assembly lines humming, but it also would allow Washington to drive policy directly. The order also could include additional subsidies for research and development into alternative fuels, new assembly technologies, manufacturing waste management, recycling and so on.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 01 April 2009 )