I haven't blogged in a month and I apologize to all my NJ MNN fans! A month has passed and boy have we seen some mighty progress in the environmental policy area. So far, it's all pointing to a hopeful future.

 

On May 19, President Obama announced a major increase in fuel economy that would help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. All new cars and trucks sold in the United States are to meet a 35.5 mile per gallon standard by 2016. The White House projects to save 1.8 billion barrels of oil between 2012-2016 and expects to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 900 million metric tons.

 

I applaud the president's National Fuel Efficiency Policy. It will help reduce our dependency on foreign oil, cut a hefty chunk of our pollution from the transportation sector and help us combat our battle against global warming. What I am impressed with about Mr. Obama's policy initiative is that his 2009 plan surpassed the fuel economy standard passed by Congress in 2007. That plan called for a fuel economy standard of 35 mpg by 2020. It was great to see the CEOs of Ford, Toyota, General Motors, Honda, Chrysler, BMW AG, Nissan, Mercedez-Benz, Mazda and Volkswagon all united, set centerstage outside of the White House with the president's announcement of this great policy.

 

This effort obviously calls for a collaboration of different departments and agencies such as the EPA, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Energy. It's bureaucracy at its best! One thing is sure, for me, on a personal note...Dad, I can't wait until you purchase the hybrid you're promising me!