Conservationists And Fed Demand Higher Gas Mileage As Consumers Flock To Gas Guzzlers

Demanding that automakers sell vehicles with higher fuel consumption ratings is like a moot point, right? Why doesn't the EPA & conservationists demand that Americans purchase cheaper & more modest vehicles...b/c that's basically what they're asking us to do.

Maybe if the "Fed" provided tax credits for consumers that purchased vehicles with the highest fuel ratings, that might generate some general interest I guess.

Here's a thought: In the UK, there's an annual gas consumption tax on cars (actually, it's carbon emissions, but similar). Basically, the more thirsty your car per mile, the higher the annual tax, which can be £1100 (US$1700) on the high end!

The net result is the affluent buy what they want, while most people opt to get a car that'll tax them less annually, as well as saving at the pump. Oh, BTW, gas is noticeably more expensive in the UK than in the US.


North American consumers are notoriously short sighted. Yes, gas prices are low TODAY, but not too long ago, people were crying about how they were hurting at the pump. They lack foresight in imagining that today's low gas prices won't last nearly as long as the new car/truck they're buying, so your new gas-drinking pickup will hurt you big-time at the pump when fuel prices return to their previous highs, and go beyond.

The problem is - at least in the US - that with new methods of oil recovery - we no longer need to import large amounts of oil at those high prices - once the prices get into the $60 range - it is profitable again - so the days of $100 barrel of oil and high prices at the pump will not happen again soon.

A UK type gas tax would NEVER get passed here in the USA - the Congress would fear for their lives - rightfully so. Nor could they pass a law requiring us to purchase smaller more fuel efficient vehicles. That would be like passing a law outlawing guns - never in a million years. The best they can do is pass laws that require all vehicles to get better mileage - and even those will not work in the current environment - because people are buying SUVs and CUVs - and Trucks - because they can.

I'm sick of socialism. The nanny state is NOT the answer. If people lack foresight, so what? Why should we protect the idiots in society by punishing everyone?

Oh wait...that's what socialists do.

CAFE is a dumb as bricks idea.

Taxing people for their gas guzzling cars is pure socialism.

Here's a thought: Let people buy whatever the hell they want with the proviso that they not b!tch when gas prices go up.

Here's another idea: Let's not give ANY taxpayer funded incentives to buy EVs etc. No car pool lane privileges...nothing.

You buy what you buy and that is that.

Legislating MPG is a huge infringement on the free-market, capitalistic economy.

What is needed to move the average up cost effectively is to impose minimum standards, and a means to prevent the aftermarket from undoing. In other words, get rid of the gas guzzlers, e.g. big heavy overpowered etc.

Burning fuel is good for the economy.
Just ask the freckless and lawless incompetent barry obamma who burns hundreds of thousand of jet fuel each year flying endlessly to fund raisers, vacations, and flunky visits to Africa.

All the Conservationists burn millions of gallons of fuel and consume huge quantities of energy cooling and heating their oversized mansions and yachts.

Amen, amen, amen!