President Obama Targets Auto Emissions

Auto Emissions Targeted

Just this week, President Barack Obama announced stricter emissions regulations for new cars and trucks manufactured in the United States. In a joint meeting with U.S. auto makers, President Obama discussed a plan to cut greenhouse emissions by at least 1/3 of all autos and trucks produced.

Along with stricter emission standards, the Obama administration mandated strict fuel economy numbers as well. This is good news for all. By the year 2016 cars are required to achieve 39 miles per gallon, and trucks 30 miles per gallon. This equates to a savings of more than 1.8 billion barrels of oil annually. This will contribute to breaking the imported oil noose that has America by the short hairs.

With these new CAFE standards in effect, the cost estimate per vehicle equals out to 1,300.00 dollars per vehicle. This is just one offset with the new rules, it is also estimated that higher regulations will cost the auto industry 50 billion per year. Will this mean more federal financing? Time will only tell. It is believed that the benefits far out weigh the costs.

Manufacturers are leaning towards the hybrid technology and full electric autos and trucks to meet the new figures. All of the big three are confident that the figures are attainable in the allotted time frame. More importantly, the technology required will not come from overseas industry. Auto workers in the United States will provide the research and labor, sparing perhaps thousands of jobs, and could even possibly create new ones.

All of this did not go through without some resistance. Several Republicans, including Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, have argued that the auto makers are going along with the Obama administration because of all the federal aid received. Schwarzenegger even suggests that the President has leverage with the industry and can call all the shots.

Most Americans will agree with this new legislation. It is even simple in execution, as it will be the same for all the states across the board. Reducing our dependency on foreign oil, while at the same time reducing green house gasses. Like it or not, this is a change that must happen.