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Why the government doesn't really want you to drive a fuel-efficient car

Why the government doesn't really want you to drive a fuel-efficient car

2012-05-18


There is a big problem with high-mileage cars – from the point-of-view of the government:
Less revenue.

Imagine an 80 MPG car – which could be built right now, easily, with existing technology. (Several current European models are already pretty close to the 80 MPG bar.)

Such a car could cut the average person's fuel costs by two-thirds – in effect, putting things back the way they were circa 1986, when gasoline still cost about $1 per gallon. It would do a great deal to ease the economic pressure bearing down on the average person. But if tens of millions of Americans were suddenly using two-thirds less fuel, they’d also be paying two-thirds less in motor fuels taxes.

You don't have to be a conspiracy nut to wonder what effect contemplation of this possibility has had on government policy.

Even assuming the most benevolent, public spirited intentions, the situation is a debacle in the making...





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