It's no secret that American auto companies are working overtime to impede California's ability to set its own tailpipe emission standards. They've had a few setbacks in court, but they've got the U.S. EPA in their back pocket -- witness Johnson's refusal to grant Cali's waiver.
There's been some talk recently about Congress overriding Johnson, so car companies are now doing a full-court lobbying press on Congress. Recently they briefed the so-called "Blue Dog" conservative House Democrats using this Powerpoint presentation (1.15 MB).
It's got all the standard tropes, including the frequently debunked but zombie-like "patchwork" argument. Take a look to get a sense of the state of play on the latest anti-Cali agitprop.
Auto companies want the House to use its global warming bill to preempt California standards, and as long as Dingell is the gatekeeper for that bill, they'll have a friendly ear. Let's hope Pelosi knows how to fight back.
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Comments
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cheflovesbeer Posted 4:12 am
08 Apr 2008
bye bye Detroit
The Detroit auto makers are soon to be a thing of the past. I am amazed by the auto makers in India. They will soon be selling trucks in the US. 2009 I believe. A hybrid diesel pickup in 2010. Tata is going to mass produce cars with compressed air engines soon. The American car makers are not even trying to keep up. There will be expensive gas soon. I mean EXPENSIVE!
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Pangolin Posted 11:44 am
08 Apr 2008
CEO's are looting....
these companies as they lose money, bleed jobs, and destroy pensions. Just like the CEO's and executive boards of Bear Stearns the elites that run Detroit automakers are catapulting the propaganda while they loot the treasury.
At some point millions of americans are going to be told that they're pension funds have been looted just like PG&E stocks were; by insider trading. The paid lackeys of the capitalists, the US Congress will then pretend total ignorance and concern while doing nothing.
GM had a functional, multi-fuel, series hybrid prototype running in 1969. Lots of other technology that was paid for by taxpayers but never recieved is detailed here at EVworldblogs.
They could have had alternative powertrains engineered and set aside for their existing vehicles, they could have marketed their EU models in the us; but they didn't. They continue to promote SUV's.
Sorry but that problem is totally FUBAR'd and there won't be any coming out of that pit unless Ben Bernanke gives Detroit free money also.
Put the Carbon Back
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