Hi,
I think the statements re. EPA fine levies is an oversimplification of what they actually do. They are not a Watchdog Agency, or strictly, an Enforcement Agency. In fact, that's one of the lesser functions of the Agency.
EPA is a pro-active Agency created to develop ways we can lessen the impact on the Environment and to aid Industry, State and Local Governments, as well as Individuals in achieving these goals. The Star Energy Compliance Program to name just one.
Having said that, EPA has levied some tremendous fines. They even have a statement in their charter which says that they cannot grant immunity and must even levy Fines on Companies who voluntarily come forward to report EPA violations, even if these violations have already been voluntarily corrected. That would seem to make any alleged collusion suspect.
We're all worried about the too high a price for gasoline, but consider this 20 year comparison of the avg. data about the US Car Market comparing 1987 to today:
- Avg. Fuel Economy (MPG)
1987 - 22.1
2006 - 21.0
Avg. Weight (Lbs.)
1987 - 3320
2006 - 4142
Avg. Horsepower
1987 - 118
2006 - 219
Avg. 0-60 MPH (Sec.)
1987 - 13.1
2006 - 9.7
% Cars/Trucks
1987 - 72/28
2006 - 50/50
This is sourced from the most recent issue of Panorama who sourced it from an EPA report:
EPA Light Duty Automotive and Fuel Economy Trends 1975 - 2006.
Today's cars are 5%
less fuel efficient, 30% heavier, have 186%
more Horsepower and are approx. 30% faster in acceleration. Now did Industry force all this upon us or are they just producing what the Market demands?
We complain about Fuel costs, while at the same time, out of the other corner of our mouths praise Super/Turbochargers,
Go-Fast Exhaust and Intake systems, Steroidal Power Chips, and the like. Unfortunately, you can't have it both ways. Who affects the cost of Fuel more than we do?...
Happy Motoring!... Jim'99
PS BTW, not a MM fan either...
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