OPINION: Mileage Dictates

From The Heritage Foundation, I’m Ernest Istook.

The Obama Administration is dictating tougher fuel mileage standards for cars and light trucks, starting in five years. New cars must average at least 54.5 miles per gallon.

Some trumpet this as good news because gasoline prices are so high. They say it will save you money.
But not if your gasoline savings are less than the higher price you pay for a more fuel-efficient car. Each vehicle will cost you several thousands of dollars more.

How can automakers design and build cars that get far better mileage than even most economy cars today? Expensive new technology will help, but it won’t be enough.

Engines will be downsized and cars will be smaller and lighter. That means safety suffers; you will be more likely to be seriously injured in a crash.

Car prices will spike up and auto safety will go down, and you’ll have federal regulations to thank for it.

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