CAFE, Fuel Tax, & CAP and Trade

[44mpg by 2010]

Carbon "CAP & TRADE" sound impressive ... but I my opinion "it" becomes an unmeasurable "commodity" that brokers take large commissions on relative to value of the commodity. This is in the class of "baseball trading cards"!

"TAXES" on fuels where there are no (or VERY LIMITED) alternative choices that allow reduction in consumption is not rational, say, like automotives. This strategy is most damaging to those that have the least financial resources to deal with either the purchase of a solution ... OR ... to buy the fuel AND pay the tax.

Here is a strategy I have not seen or heard discussed for your consideration and discussion.

EVERY CAR MANUFACTURER MARKETING over 15 models in a model year IN THE USA MUST HAVE AT LEAST ONE (1) VERY HIGH mpg VEHICLE IN THEIR PRODUCT OFFERING SET. IF THEY HAVE, AS A CORPORATE ENTITY, MORE THAN 100 MODELS THERE WOULD BE TWO (2), one a "light" vehicle and the other a "heavy" vehicle in the 6,500 to 8,500 pound class (truck, van, or SUV).

By January 1, 2011 EACH manufacturer with over 15 models must provide at least one (1) 40 mpg(US) combined average 4/5 passenger vehicle in the market. Failure to deliver will result in a $20 MILLION per day fine until such product is delivered to the market in production quantities.

By January 1, 2016, EACH manufacturer with over 15 models must provide at least one (1) 55 mpg(US) combined average 4/5 passenger vehicle in the market. Failure to deliver will result in a $40 MILLION per day fine until such product is delivered to the market in production quantities.

In the case of manufacturer with more than 100 models, in a given model year, MUST provide a version of their lowest mpg 2008 "heavy" machine that achieves at least 28 mpg combined average by January 1, 2011. Failure to deliver will result in a $20 MILLION per day fine until such product is delivered to the market in production quantities.

Again, manufacturer with more than 100 models, in a given model year, MUST provide a vehicle from the low mpg "heavy" class that achieves at least 40 mpg combined average by January 1,2016. Failure to deliver will result in a $40 MILLION per day fine until such product is delivered to the market in production quantities.

These "fines" will be allocated as follows: 75% for research and development of FUEL CONSERVING VEHICLES and 25% for research and development of renewable energy sources ... WITH THE FOLLOWING STIPULATION: ALL INVENTIONS AND DISCOVERIES ARE TO BE PUBLIC DOMAIN ... AND "FREE USE LICENSE" APPLY.

In this environment there would be extended VALID DIFFERIENTIATED CHOICES ... just maybe ... the "market/consumer" might make the "right" decisions ... at least they will have the opportunity.

Well ... it is a different approach ... and it has NOTHING to do with CAFE ... JUST AVAILABLE CHOICES !!

YOUR Comments PLEASE ...

IF YOU LIKE THE IDEA PASS IT ON and ALSO TELL YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS IN WASHINGTON, DC; particularly Senator Jeff Bingaman, Rep. Dingell, and Rep. Ed Markey.

[Fourthbean]

What would be the goal of this law? To save people money at the pump? To help global warming?

[skewbe]

Hmm... If there are 40+ and 50+ mpg cars available from other sources (i.e. toyota) and the other manufacturers aren't paying attention, what is to keep the 50+ mpg market from giving toyota all their money?

I agree more choices would be nice, but to reduce carbon via legislation, you have to up the average mpg for all vehicles sold, not just make more high end choices available.

Also need to get the consumers to quit making poor choices somehow, but our current politicians (US) respond to crisis not by rationing and conserving resourses, but by encouraging people to be even worse consumers.