While Congress is eager to increase fuel economy standards to lower petroleum consumption, ill-planned regulations could do more harm than good, says a senior researcher at RAND.
"Congress forced a doubling of passenger car fuel economy from 1974-85, but, according to the National Academy of Sciences, the fuel savings came at a big price: about 2,000 additional traffic deaths per year as cars were downsized, making them less able to protect occupants in collisions. And the rules did little to stimulate the creation of new engines and fuels."
"While Congress should set a strong oil-savings goal, inserting a specific mileage figure in legislation could cause problems. A combination of congestion pricing in cities, alternate fuels, and tougher mileage rules may do more to save oil than relying only on mileage rules. Congress should give the executive the discretion to find the right mix."
"Congress can make a constructive contribution by:
--Requiring that by the end of 2008, regulators set mileage standards for all passenger vehicles through 2015.
--Authorizing regulators to use size-based standards for cars, as they did for light trucks. This encourages new technology rather than downsizing.
--Requiring that mileage rules be set based on benefit-cost calculations, with no special treatment for manufacturers facing financial problems.
--Extending tax credits for fuel-efficient vehicles (such as clean diesels and hybrids), thereby ensuring that consumers remain interested in fuel economy even if fuel prices decline or remain flat."
FULL STORY: Steer a smarter course than specific mileage goals

San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.

Has President Trump Met His Match?
Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution
Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.

San Jose Mayor Takes Dual Approach to Unsheltered Homeless Population
In a commentary published in The Mercury News, Mayor Matt Mahan describes a shelter and law enforcement approach to ending targeted homeless encampments within Northern California's largest city.

Atlanta Changes Beltline Rail Plan
City officials say they are committed to building rail connections, but are nixing a prior plan to extend the streetcar network.

Are Black Mayors Being Pushed Out of Office?
The mayors of New York, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh all stand to lose their seats in the coming weeks. They also all happen to be Black.
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