Obama targets greenhouse gases for cars after a morning with record low temperatures

Jeff Mankie/AP Photo

It plays out like a Greek comedy.  President Obama will announce the most aggressive fuel economy standards on the same day that a late season frost and a record low temperature was recorded in nearby Baltimore (38F).  The irony lies in the fact that many attempts to combat Global Warming are met with weather that is surprisingly anything but warm.  The most recent was March 2nd, 2009, when a Global Warming protest in Washington was close to being cancelled due to 3-5 inches of snow.  The following day, record low temperatures dropped into the low teens.  This phenomenon has been known as The Gore Effect (click here for more).

The proposal will establish the California standard for the entire nation.  California is plagued by some of the worst smog in the nation, and has been fighting it with the strictest pollution standards in the nation.  I can still hear Rod Roddy on The Price is Right announcing ‘California Emissions’ for vehicles on the show.  That was important for contestants to know since the car's price tag was a little higher. 

In a show of support California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has planned to be present for the announcement.
This is stricter than the 2007 law passed by Congress to raise fuel economy standards.  

The proposal:

• Auto fleet average of 35.5mph by 2016. This is up from 27.3mph in the current plan for 2011
• Cars mph =39mph topping out at 42mph
• Light trucks, and SUVs = 26mph topping out at 30mph
• Greenhouse gas emissions cut by 900 million metric tons

The arguments from both sides:

Opponents: While this is a positive step to improve gas mileage and limit pollution, it is expected to raise the cost of new vehicle by $1300.  Also, the last very aggressive government plan was in the 1970s led to smaller cars with compromised safety like the Chevy Vega and Ford Pinto.

Supporters:  The increased cost will be made up in 3 years of less trips to gas station.  Also, this would be equivalent to removing 177 million cars from the roads over the life of the new cars.  Basically, consumers would pay less for gas, and pollution would be decreased.

A national flat standard might be good since it will streamline car production. I am a big supporter of reducing pollution for cleaner air.  I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't want that.   However, the increased cost per vehicle might be a strain on the already threatened car industry.  It also does not guarantee that there will not be a higher gas tax to compensate for lower gas usage.  Will this eliminate the need for frequent emissions testing and the costs attached?  What do you think?  Please share your comments below.