I was oversimplifying it, however, once I looked it up:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_Average_Fuel_Economy

It is when you read stuff like this that you say “screw it, just tax gas and get it over with”. However, that is certainly a less politically palatable approach.

We value safety first, versatility (, passenger and gear capacity, and capability in all weather and rough roads) second, fuel economy third. I’ve owned two 4-cylinder 4runners that get around 20-22 mpg- a 1988 and a 2000 model I bought just last summer. The latter was built in the last year that Toyota offered a 4-cylinder 5 speed 4runner. Both vehicles are technically “SUVs” but they are far from a V-8 Escalade or V-10 Excursion. But what I really wish I could buy is a 4runner with a small diesel and run it on biodiesel. I’ve seen 4runners retrofitted with diesels that get 35 mpg and still have decent power. Unfortunately, Toyota perceives that Americans value power above all and keep cramming larger motors into the 4runner. They also, unfortunately, keep making their trucks bigger after inventing and dominating the small truck niche.

RE taxing children- I agree, but how about starting the tax at the 3rd kid? After all, a couple who has two children just replaces themselves, so no population growth would ensue if everyone did that…

to set the record straight- the CAFE standards are set on the complete product mix so that the entire fleet of cars offered by a manufacturer meets the minimum CAFE standard- as a whole

in other words, you had to have smaller cars in the mix to bring the average CAFE standard up to the minimum set by congress-

Andy’s point is a simple one- if there are no CAFE standards- then car manufacturers can concentrate on what they make best- it is up to the American people to make a decision as to what they buy- obviously if gas prices are expensive people will gravitate towards more fuel efficient cars

bitplayer-

dude- the planet will make it with or without us- we are not going to “save ” the world- it is indifferent to our survival as a species and will be here long after we’re gone- life is a one way ticket- enjoy it while you are here- learn to surf and snowboard- hike- backpack Europe or China- check out Yosemite or the Grand Tetons- go fly fishing in Yellowstone- don’t miss out- this is your one chance- enjoy it while you are here- and get a used car so you get where you need to go- I have a used 9 year old 4Runner- works pretty good

Sorry, gotta disagree with you on the CAFE standards this time. The “big shit” was exempted from the CAFE standards, because the SUVs and other stuff got classified as small trucks — lobbyists at work.

I would actually argue that the CAFE standards in the ’70s helped saved US automakers when the Japanese were beginning to kick their butts. Reasonable people could disagree with that, since in the short run it led to the Pinto, the Vega, the Chevette, pick your poison……….

That said, I generally agree with the concept of using a tax to achieve the goal of decreasing fossil fuel consumption — we did ourselves a tremendous disservice by not slapping a $0.50/gallon tax on gas in 1990 or so, with a ratchet of 10 cents a year for the next ten years.

sorry dude- I’m with you- I am only trying to enlighten folks that my 9 year old 4runner works for me- quite practical-

shouldn’t cause angst in folks-

and hey the kids- well they were always a surprise to me- never a one planned- by me anyway

I also think bitplayer was trying to amuse…