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Last spring, the U.S. Senate
removed mileage requirements from an energy bill, leaving
the current fuel-efficiency standard at 27.5 miles per
gallon -- a level that has remained unchanged since 1990.
Last month, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
turned down a proposal that would have required automobile
manufacturers to increase the fuel efficiency of popular
sport utility vehicles by 30 percent over eight years.
The debate over increasing the efficiency of motor vehicles
will continue to rage in Congress. Progress won't be quick.
That's why local efforts can be important tools for inspiring
solutions and hopefully, some positive action in Washington,
D.C.
Here in Tompkins County, one such effort is underway:
Today is the second day of a local "conversation"
about transportation that continues through May 21. It
is sponsored by the "Curb Your Car Coalition,"
a local group of people who are looking for solutions
to traffic congestion, pollution and petroleum consumption.
Tompkins County's transportation conversation certainly
can't compete with Beltway lobbyists, but such local initiatives
can build a momentum of public opinion that demands action
on this nation's dependence on oil-based fuels. The Curb
Your Car Coalition's activities are spread throughout
the county. Check the coalition's Web site at <http://www.co.tompkins.ny.us/itctc/cyc/>www.co.tompkins.ny.us/itctc/cyc/
for more information.
Petroleum is a wonderful substance that is used to manufacture
everything from medical equipment to clothing. Instead
of continuing to literally burn this finite resource,
nations such as ours must look for ways to reduce its
use while exploring alternative power sources. Such an
effort will take decades. It is better to start now rather
than wait until oil really becomes scarce and energy prices
go beyond what any of us can imagine.
Voters need to pressure Congress and the executive branch
of the federal government to change course and begin mandating
reasonable increases in fuel standards. In addition, federal
legislators need to explore and enact legislation that
would increase funding for the development of non-petroleum
fuel sources. |