Ben G's speech

It hurts; someone, help me!”

While the Earth may not be able to vocalize these words, you can see evidence of them everywhere. Pollution. Deforestation. The classic appeals, heard across the world. However, as we move into the future, our planet faces new challenges- things like the end of cheap oil. All kinds of bad news. But what if we could head off this disaster waiting to happen? Where would we look? How about… the west coast? Or Europe? Why don’t we use the emissions laws of California and the EU as a model for nation-wide legislation?

California Certified Clean Idle. It is a fairly commonly seen sticker, usually found on the side of a semi truck on the highway. Any idea what it means? According to the Department of Energy, this sticker certifies that the engine of that vehicle has met specific emissions requirements, and has a built in off switch, kicking in after idling for 5 minutes. School busses have similar rules, preventing them from idling at a school or bus stop, and prohibit idling for more than 5 minutes anywhere else.

One would think that these rules would make it hard on the auto manufacturers. Due to it being only a state law, it cannot be enforced by law enforcement in other states, which would cut profits. However, the major auto manufacturers have decided to make all vehicles they sell comply with the law. By making these cars and trucks in this manner, they are allowed to sell in California, AND contribute less to air pollution. Seeing as this worked out so well for the west coast, how about we take it a step higher: make it a federal law, enforceable in all 50 states. There is no real reason not to, as the majority of the cars on the road are already compliant. Besides- think of the gas money saved.

The European Union. Its formation has brought together Western Europe economy, politics, and… environment. As many of the member nations signed the Kyoto protocol, unlike the US, they are obligated to reduce emissions to in international standard, which they have since met. In addition to these requirements, they EU passed laws requiring all new vehicles to have fuel efficiency data available for a potential customer, CO2 emissions data available on demand, and tax breaks for those who purchase new, fuel efficient vehicles.

This probably sounds like an awful lot to change. It really isn’t; the majority of these are already in effect. How many car ads are there that don’t proclaim the car’s fuel stats? How many cars on the road don’t comply with the California standards? Couldn’t you go online and look up a car’s CO2 stats? Really, all we must do it make this knowledge more available.