Fool efficiency

I have to admit, I did not expect to hear that the Bush administration would improve light truck fuel economy standards. In the end, though, it is nothing more than a change in semantics:

"Conservation may be a sign of personal virtue, but it is not a sufficient basis for a sound, comprehensive energy policy."
--Dick Cheney, 2001

"This plan is good news for American consumers because it will insure that the vehicles that they buy will get more miles to the gallon and ultimately save them money"
--Norman Mineta, August 23, 2005

Ah, yes, the Bush administration is working hard to find ways to put money back into the pockets of American consumers to stimulate our economy and to make the dream of suburban homeownership affordable for more Americans. Notice, however, that though action should have been taken at least 10 years ago when SUVs first became popular commuter vehicles, the new rules will not take effect until after Bush leaves office. Also, by breaking trucks down into six categories, the industry will probably still have ways of avoiding higher fuel efficiency. Still, a first step is better than no step at all.