Economics and Government

This article surprised me when I read it. Basically, the government wants to raise the minimum fuel economy standards to 35 miles per gallon for all vehicles in the U.S. This would mean that all new cars and trucks produced would be required to be fuel efficient. I have no doubt that this would be a good thing for the environment, but would it be a good thing for consumers?

The government is supposed to be in a protective state. That is, protecting its citizens from harm. In all honesty, I think this law would fall somewhere in between a protective state of government and an infringement on the rights of U.S. citizens. Looking at all possible angles, it is possible to see how this law would be protecting citizens from harm. Cars with low miles per gallon burn more gas and therefore hurt the environment more. So higher standards would help with pollution and the effect it has on people. However, this law would also force producers to make cars a certian way and force consumers to purchase those cars. That is obviously an infringement on personal freedoms given by the constitution.

So, it seems that the government is trying to protect its citizens by taking away some personal freedoms. This is an issue that could be argued both ways and Im not quite sure where I stand on it. THIS WAS WRITTEN BY: DAVID BIONDO