Digital's Analog

Today President Obama formerly requested that the EPA re-consider a request by the State of California and 13 other states to allow them to enact automobile emission standards more stringent than those of the EPA. Incredulously, this request has been made repeatedly by California since 2002 but was rejected each time by the EPA at the urging of then-President Bush. Additionally, Obama also directed the Department of Transportation to begin the procedures for upping the CAFE to 35 MPG by 2020 at the latest.

This day marks the beginning of what will hopefully be a turn-around in our nation's energy direction. California is the 8th largest economy in the world, with commensurate energy usage. Governor Schwarzenegger ( a Republican, no less!) has an ambitious plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in California to fight global warming and strengthen the state's economy.

Some say (including myself) hurray for some progress! Others say allowing California and other states to diverge from the national CAFE and EPA rules makes it more difficult for the auto industry to compete since there could be a patchwork of regulations. I say, engineer vehicles for the most stringent market and sell them nationwide!

What do you think?

For more info on the President's actions today, click here.

The PBS series Nova has a great episode covering Schwarzenegger's energy plans. The show can be viewed online here. Bill Nye the Science guy and Ed Begley, Jr make an appearance as well.