by MiS11

Created on: June 27, 2009   Last Updated: June 30, 2009

Congress should raise the current Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards that dictate the number of miles per gallon that automakers should get for the range of vehicles they sell. The federal regulations, first enacted in 1975, were intended to lessen the United States dependence on foreign oil during the wake of the Arab Oil Embargo. The United States currently has the lowest standards in terms of fuel economy rating among all first world nations.

I suppose the auto industry does not care that our great nation is being held hostage by foreign, oil-producing countries that are actually our enemies. Originally, the purpose of the CAFE regulations was to free the United States from being held captive by our enemies. Let us return to that original purpose and continue to raise the United States standards to that of other first world nations. If the United States wishes to continue to be a world leader, we must lead in all areas, including fuel-efficiency and becoming more of a green nation.

Everyday more Americans are losing their jobs and having a tough time paying the bills, feeding the kids, and putting gas in their vehicles so they can look for work. As the price per gallon of gasoline continues to rise, there will definitely be a demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles. People cannot afford to fill up at the pump now. U. S. automakers, instead of foreign automakers, should reap the rewards of that increased demand.

Alternatively, as a nation with low CAFE standards, compared with other countries, Americans will continue spending American dollars on foreign made vehicles. A 2006 Consumer Reports survey found that fuel economy is the most important consideration in consumers' choice of vehicles. A 2007 Pew Charitable Trusts survey found that nine out of every ten Americans favor tougher CAFE standards, including 91% of Democrats and 85% of Republicans.

There are a number of new technologies automakers could apply to improve the fuel efficiency of their vehicles, most costing less than a thousand dollars. If these new technologies were applied aggressively through increased CAFE regulations, scientists estimate they could double the miles per gallon of the vehicle.

Currently, the United States consumes more natural resources per person than any other country and this needs to stop. By increasing the Cafe standards, we would potentially solve the U.S. automakers' financial problems, lessen the United States dependence on foreign oil and keep American dollars in America.

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