The grind of CAFE standards

I was listening to the The House debate the energy bill today. A vote could come as early as tomorrow. After months of talking, automakers agreed to the first major fuel economy increase in decades to 35 miles per gallon by 2020.

Congress created the mileage requirements in 1975, and the fuel economy of passenger cars doubled in 10 years, from 14 to 28 miles per gallon by 1986. But as oil prices dropped in the late 1980s, automakers began selling SUVs, trucks and sedans that were bigger and more powerful - features consumers enjoyed.

Critics complained that, without any push from Washington, auto companies have let fuel economy flatline. Current law requires 27.5 miles per gallon for cars - the same as a decade ago - and 22.2 miles per gallon for light trucks. sfgate.com

Thirty years ago, automaker said that raising fuel economy standards would cause a loss of jobs and reduce market share. After 30 years of lax fuel economy standards, Detroit has still lost market share and still lost jobs. Add to that global warming, and high fuel prices and there much to gain by promoting fuel consumption.