A Small Step for Man a Giant Leap for Fuel Economy!!

I am sure we have all had the privilege of hearing the American government repeat over and over again that they do not believe in setting binding emission reduction targets.  However, yesterday George Bush appeared to completely contradict his stance on climate change by passing an energy bill requiring motor vehicles to meet an average target of 35 miles per gallon by 2020 while increasing the use of ethanol as a substitute for gasoline.  This is the first time in 32 years that the American government has passed a bill addressing federal auto millage, finally pulling the issue of vehicle emissions out of the dark ages.

Now that the American government has decided to tackle vehicle emissions, it is only natural for the Canadian government to continue their game of follow the leader when it comes to climate change.  They can begin by tackling the issue of LSV’s or Low Speed Vehicles by allow them on all Canadian roads.  As it stands right now the Canadian Government has recently approved the home grown Zenn Electric Car, but for this vehicle to actually be driven on the road must occur on a province by province basis, and this process moves at a snails pace. 

Come on Canada cut back the red tape and open this form of transportation to all Canadian citizens to use!!!

Thanks reading and Keep it Green!!!

Paul

Contributing articles:  CBC News Zenn Cars earth2tech

How is Cutting Emissions A Bad Thing??

Yesterday I wrote a post about the web site The Story of Stuff, if any of you managed to watch the video you will now be more aware of personal consumption and the effects that it has on the environment.

What I found particularly interesting about this video, was the acknowledgment of lobbying and interference by major American manufacturers with the Federal Government in America. Understanding that lobbying is extremely common in politics, it became even more apparent to me after reading an article about California and 15 other states suing the American Government for denying the “Greenhouse Gas Reduction Bill” on cars, trucks and SUV’s.

Now I might have missed something here, but why is it bad to reduce carbon emissions produced by vehicles and why would the American Government deny the passing of this bill? The last time I checked, scientists from around the world have confirmed that Global Warming is occurring and that it is man made. So why would the American Government deny a bill that would force half of the American population to reduce emissions caused by the vehicle they drive? Well ladies and gentlemen, it’s called lobbying and the power of the all mighty buck. Similar to the concept introduced in The Story of Stuff big business in America has once again been given the power to influence governments regardless of what is right for the environment.

Best of luck California and friends, I truly hope you are successful in you battle for the environment, and can set and example for all governments out there.

Keep it Green!!

Paul