duhh, I have been posting news stories about this for at least a few years.
next story on fuel efficiency standards for vehicles has some bimbo (industry spokesperson) asking
"do you want to sacrifice the safety of your family in order to save a tree"
I soooo hate msm
edited to add links-the first one has link saying "watch this"
http://www.cbsnews.com/?source=homepage_refreshhttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/21/politics/main2962131.shtmlSenators Reach Auto Mileage Compromise
Proposal Would Increase Fuel Economy Standards To 35 MPG
The compromise, approved without floor debate, was crafted over several days behind closed doors with the aim of heading off attempts by senators sympathetic to the auto industry to press a less-stringent proposal.
The deal is the first mandatory hike in fuel efficiency standards since 1975, reports CBS News correspondent Kelly Wallace. But auto industry analysts say the last time Congress mandated fuel efficiency standards for cars, Americans gave up their station wagons and switched to larger, heavier trucks on the road – and they could do the same thing this time.
"They don't really want to change their lifestyle; they want to protect their families," said Rebecca Lindland, director of automotive research at Global Insight. "Do you sacrifice the safety of your family and get a small light vehicle in order to save a tree?"
President Bush, who was in Alabama visiting a nuclear power plant, said Congress must "be realistic" about the energy legislation. The White House opposes having Congress mandate a specific mileage number for auto fuel economy. Bush believes the Transportation Department should be given increased flexibility to set a standard.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/21/tech/main2961305.shtmlEPA Proposes New Smog Standards
Agency Wants More Reductions, But Critics Claim Proposal Doesn't Follow All Of Scientists' Advice
(CBS/AP)
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Still, under pressure from big business, EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson left the door open to keeping the rules as they are.
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Business and industry groups including the National Association of Manufacturers have been lobbying for the smog standard to stay the same, contending that lowering it would be costly and unnecessary. Although EPA says ozone levels have dropped 21 percent nationwide since 1980, states are still working to meet the smog levels set in 1997 because doing so takes years.
"We recognize that the EPA has a duty to protect public health, and studies have shown implementing the current standard will do just that," said NAM President John Engler. "There is still a long way to go to meeting the current standard. Therefore we see no reason to revise the current standard."
Johnson was asked repeatedly to explain why he would accept comment on keeping a standard that he himself, a career scientist, has determined doesn't adequately protect health. Environmentalists contended industry lobbying was the reason, but Johnson didn't respond directly to that allegation.
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