http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1151ap_obama_fuel_standards.html
This article describes the stance that President Obama is taking on regulation of greenhouse gases. In particular, it is strategically interesting that Obama is strongly encouraging the EPA to allow states to set their own limits on vehicle emissions. By allowing states to set their own limits, states that are especially environmentally-conscious can help to drive the whole automobile market toward more “green” options. In order to remain competitive in key states such as California, auto-makers would need to have viable options that have much lower emissions and better gas mileage. Once the auto industry begins to adjust and align itself with these interests (ideally speaking, anyway), it should be easier and more productive for the Federal government to impose stricter limits across the nation, making real change a possibility.
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Joanna,
ReplyDeleteAlthough the article focuses on the emission standard waiver the Federal government is considering giving the States, and the impact this may have in the auto-industry; I think it is a great platform for us to consider how is this going to affect us as individual (and our behaviors). But we must also think about the potential of policies having to adapt to these changes. If this is so, they may create an environment or external effect on city planners and administrators in the arena of land use, transportation and transit.
This is an opportunity we should not let pass by. I share your enthusiasm, but I think we have to internalize the news and evaluate the effects it has on us as citizens of the U.S., and how it may affect us residents of States that may impose the stricter standards - that may affect auto-industry/how air quality is measures/our quality of life standards/mobility options...... wow!!!!!
Joanna,
ReplyDeleteI believe that Maria has a valid point. To echo her concern; although giving the States the power to regulate their own green-house gas emissions is a good start, there are many other factors that are needed to make this option valuable. For instance, although Phoenix has a new "mass transit" system, it is not as effective as those in Chicago, San Fransisco, Portland etc. These systems, take a lot of time and money to create other valid options for transit, other than personal vehicles. If reliable and affordable transportation options are not available to the common public, social injustices will be made apparent. With this in mind, city planners as well as city governments have to be willing and able to do what it takes to provide transportation options for all classes.
In order for the emission standard to work, the social and economic injustices have to be looked at in great detail. I do believe that this is a step in the right direction, it just needs to be done cautiously especially in our state of economy.
Hi Joanna, there is a lot of input on the emissions issue. It is the one in the news right now but every blog I read gives me new perspective. Now I am thinking not only how emission regulation could impact the economy and the environmnet but also if there are other issues/options that would be better than changing the regulation. hmmm
ReplyDeleteI must say that I do not agree with letting the states set their own emissions standards. It introduces market values of competition into the environmental policy.
ReplyDeleteCertain states will inevitably suffer and certain states will thrive. Although the EPA has been sluggish in the past, it does not mean that they shouldn't be the central authority in environmental policy. The United States as a whole should be a able to benefit from lower emissions and a cleaner environment, not just certain states.