So Barack Obama has decided to tell US car makers that they had better start producing smaller, more eco friendly cars.  According to the globeandmail.com, Obama has allowed states the right to cut the emission standards on vehicles on their soil:

“Mr. Obama’s decision will let California and other states set their own auto emission standards in their drive to slash greenhouse gases, an official familiar with the decision said Sunday.

The move is significant on two fronts: It could empower states to set tougher standards in targeting emissions, which are blamed for contributing to global climate change; and it would be another swift reversal by Mr. Obama of Bush administration policy, this time on energy.”

The move seems like a fairly Republican one, more states rights, or more correctly it seems like something the anti-federalist party would have thrown around in the late 17th century.   The liberal part comes in when you then realize that allowing states to severely cut their emissions standards means that US automakers, and global automakers, are going to have to start producing costlier but more fuel efficient cars.

Why would Obama decide to force the already struggling US automakers to produce more expensive cars?  Why does he want them to move away from the SUVs and trucks that have been their staples?  I have my theories, but I will have to wait to see if they pan out.

Tags: Auto Transportation // Add Comment »