NO Why block the road to energy independence?
By Michael E. Kraft, professor emeritus of political science and public and environmental affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
The idea that Congress should scrap the EPA’s vehicle mileage standards to promote consumer choice in the marketplace is not just wrongheaded; it poses a false dichotomy. There is no incompatibility between having high mileage standards and giving buyers plenty of choice.
Consumers today choose from a wide range of vehicles, from large trucks and SUVs to family sedans to smaller hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric cars.
Within each class of vehicle, manufacturers offer an array of engine sizes and transmissions, and numerous comfort and convenience options to satisfy just about every desire.
YES
Mandate tramples individual choice
By Mark J. Perry, professor of business and economics at the Flint campus of the University of Michigan and a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute
At a time when many people have put off buying a new car until the economy improves, the last thing we need is a stringent government regulation on fuel efficiency that will raise the cost of vehicles and make matters even more difficult for consumers.
The Obama administration has mandated Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards that require automakers to make expensive redesigns on new vehicles.
By 2016, the fuel efficiency of America’s new vehicle fleet will have to average at least 34.1 miles per gallon. By 2025, compared to 2012 models, automakers will have to nearly double fuel economy to 54.5 miles per gallon.
