Wednesday, 24 Aug 2005

Go Truck Yourself

Bush admin unveils weak new fuel-economy rules for light trucks

The Bush administration surveyed the landscape -- gas prices rising, fears of oil dependence spreading -- and concluded that bold leadership was required. So it invaded an oil-rich country. Heh, well ... on to Plan B! Yesterday, the administration proposed a new set of auto fuel-economy rules. Tightening the standard for passenger cars? Uh, no, that would stay at an average of 27.5 miles per gallon. Finally imposing some requirements on mega-SUVs like the Hummer H2? Wrong again. Instead, most SUVs, pickups, and minivans would be divided into six categories based on size, each with its own fuel-economy requirements. The administration says the plan would increase the average mileage of these vehicles a whopping 2.8 mpg by 2011, to 24 mpg. Amazing but true! Despite the obvious logic of the plan, it has critics, some of whom point out that it would actually provide an incentive for auto manufacturers to make their light trucks larger, so they'd be bumped into categories with lower mileage standards. "The proposal is almost embarrassing in terms of its effect on fuel consumption," said Eric Haxthausen of Environmental Defense.


So you've blasted your way through that list of Top Ten Things You Can Do to Save the Earth and All the Creatures That Walk Upon It, and you're not sure what to do with your days. Does life seem emptier now that all your bulbs are compact fluorescents and all your trips to the organic co-op are made by bike? Fear not! Advice maven Umbra Fisk is watching out for you environmental overachievers, and she says your work is not yet done. It's time to become an agent of social change. Ready, set ... whoa!

Breed Between the Lines

World population heading rapidly toward 7 billion

The global population will reach 7 billion by about 2012 and continue to rise for many decades, according to a new report from the Population Reference Bureau, a private research organization. "Almost 99 percent of population growth today and for the foreseeable future will be in ... developing countries," said Carl Haub, a demographer with the bureau. In contrast, birthrates are declining in many developed countries, a trend that could ultimately lead to wealthy nations having less money to spend on foreign aid for poorer nations, according to Haub. In the U.S., though, fertility rates are holding steady and population is expected to rise from 296 million today to 420 million by 2050, meaning the nation would hold onto its status as the world's third most-populous country. India is expected to overtake China and assume the No. 1 slot by the middle of the century.

Power Play

Northeast states crafting plan to cut CO2 emissions from power plants

The cantankerous Northeast -- last seen suing the U.S. EPA over mercury regulations -- is at it again. Fed up with the feds, nine states in the region have preliminarily agreed to reduce their carbon-dioxide emissions from power plants. The coalition -- organized by New York Gov. George Pataki (R), whose presidential ambitions are no secret -- proposes to cap annual CO2 output from the region's power plants at 150 million tons beginning in 2009, then cut that figure 10 percent by 2020. Each state's legislature would have to approve the market-based scheme, which could land on their desks by September. Though proponents acknowledge that the move won't single-handedly solve the looming global climate crisis, they hope other states will admire their "American ingenuity" and follow suit; California, Oregon, and Washington are already considering a similar measure. As for the big guys, "We welcome all efforts to help meet the president's goal for significantly reducing greenhouse-gas intensity," said James Connaughton of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Replied the Northeast: "Pfft."

Jack Frost Nippon at Your Nose

Japan will encourage office workers to bundle up for the winter

Japan's summer "Cool Biz" campaign, which encourages office workers to shed their coats and ties and wear lighter clothing so less energy need be spent on air conditioning, has proven such a success that now the nation's Environment Ministry is plotting to follow it up with a "Warm Biz" campaign for fall and winter. Businesses will be asked to keep the heat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the cooler seasons, and employees will be asked to dress cozily. The "Cool Biz" campaign has been a boon to men's clothing stores, which have reported brisk sales in bright-colored polo shirts, light slacks, and coordinating accessories. Now retailers can look forward to hawking turtleneck sweaters, thick socks, and clothes that can be layered for warmth. "There are various combinations of dress that we envision," said an Environment Ministry official, "but thermal underwear is definitely going to be crucial."