Why "even"? It seems to me that the current administration was always concerned with the U.S. dependency on oil imports.
steissd
The present administration has been against imposing increased MPG requirements on the automobile industry. The technology is there however, it will come at a cost. The "even" indicates that they just are beginning to acknowledge or realize the gravity of the problem and will hopefully do something about it. To this point the administrations interest has been the source of supply but no real effort has been made relative to conservation.
both Honda and Toyota have current "hybred" cars on the market in the US getting over 50 mpg, the Toyota costs under $20,000 is a 4dr sedan, seats 5, meaning there are current alternatives available that lessen our dependence on oil. it is up to we the people, with assistance from research and development to make use of technology. solar assist for home and water heating, simple thermostats that lower water heater temps during off hours. we need to educate ourselves and alter our behaviors.
I wonder, what makes people buy oil-consuming SUVs? Do they spend much time on the low quality roads?
steissd, these SUV's never go on poor roads, they are a fashion statement, driven by soccer moms doing their shopping and talking on their cell phones while driving, their use as a utility vehicle is non-existent.
At the Detroit auto show earlier this year, the world's car companies tried to one-up each other with proclamations about future SUVs that will get the gas mileage of a pedicab, with lower emissions than a banana. But there's an important prerequisite: Consumers must not be asked to sacrifice a hint of horsepower or a sliver of size. "We want to produce vehicles where you can be proud of your contribution to the environment," said General Motors President Rick Wagoner, "but don't really have to make any trade-offs."
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/issue/030217/biztech/17oil.b.htm
