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Federal Fuel Economy Standards Program Should Be Retooled (National Research Council report Press Release)

Quote 1: "Some technologies already in existence today could significantly reduce fuel consumption of new cars over the next 15 years, with light-duty trucks having the greatest potential reductions. These technologies, which would increase the purchase price of new cars and trucks, include engine advances that reduce friction, such as variable valve timing, and more efficient powertrains, such as five-speed automatic transmissions."

Quote 2: " The committee also noted that there is a marked inconsistency between pressing automobile manufacturers for improved fuel economy from new vehicles on the one hand, and insisting on low gasoline prices on the other. Higher gas prices would create a demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles and an incentive for owners of existing vehicles to drive them less."

Quote 1: "Some technologies already in existence today could significantly reduce fuel consumption of new cars over the next 15 years, with light-duty trucks having the greatest potential reductions. These technologies, which would increase the purchase price of new cars and trucks, include engine advances that reduce friction, such as variable valve timing, and more efficient powertrains, such as five-speed automatic transmissions."

And what's the point in spending an extra $10,000 for a vehicle which will save $100 per year in gas? None.

Reminds of that old Monty Python saw: What's brown and sounds like a bell (and fills politician's heads)? Dung.

Nice double-play in that report. One the one hand, mandate fuel economy standards that will raise the cost of vehicles even more, and also increase the gas price (presumably through taxes - no point in giving the oil companies any 'windfall profits'). Sounds like exactly what the Democrats would like for us.