By the way, the standard is joint between EPA, NHTSA, and CARB.
I don't work for EPA. But, my job is to determine what is technologically and economically possible to help make sure the regulations actually work, and that they have a positive impact on the economy. For what it's worth, you and everyone else is free and welcome to submit comments on NPRMs; it's a legally open process, and they DO actively base their analysis and conclusions off those comments. You've had four opportunities to do so, including one right now that is probably open through early October. My guess is that those who criticize regulation so generally probably haven't submitted comments nor performed the "full time job" hours of analysis on one specific subject. Speculation and gut feelings lose out to scientific study. If you really do know something I and my colleagues don't, PLEASE submit comments.
But, Cafe does work, nobody doubts that. Even the automakers signed onto the program.
Average gas mileage has improved quite a lot and
other than 2008 and 2009, the average price of a new car is decreasing. In 2013, the average price of a new car is the lowest since 1983 (table 10.11), and you can find elsewhere that the price of new cars continued to decrease through 2015. The change in the quality/content of cars might decrease those numbers some, and it doesn't include trucks or SUVs. But lets be subjective -- trucks have increased in price because they went from farm or niche vehicles to full-on luxury vehicles. Trucks subject to cafe with similar chassis to trucks of the past (single cab, long bed) still exist and are dirt cheap but with modern drivetrains and CAFE compliance. FWIW, many manufacturer's compliance strategy is to
overcomply with trucks rather than cars, because it's cheaper/easier?
You can do the exact same analysis the rest of us are doing and come to the same conclusions. There are quantifiable and measurable results in reduced emissions and fuel use, and in the additional cost of vehicles. Even with low gas prices, the regulation still saves people money.
And seriously, you post an article discussing a fuel economy standard published in 2007 by a think tank founded by one of the Koch brothers. For what it's worth, the standard is far different than the assumptions in that article. The NPRM for CAFE wasn't out until September 2009, so anything in 2007 was entirely speculative and has no bearing on the contents of the NPRM, let alone the final rule.
Engines are more complex and
marginally more expensive, but they're overall better and more reliable. Do you complain that TVs and content sources are more complex, or do you suck up the risk and enjoy better and more reliable products? You get out (of the past), it's clear that the majority have decided they don't want to breathe dirty exhaust or depend on others for their energy. Are people seriously complaining about being able to drive more for the same amount of money? That's insane.
CAFE isn't taking away the cars people want. Just remember to thank a Prius driver....
R - Fix the throttle mapping and we'll talk. 300/325 would be nice. I actually like the Ford 3.5 Ecoboost motor a lot. not sure lag + off roading is a great idea. Small efficient V8 please and thank you.
