by Jim Shrewsbury
Legislation has come before the St. Louis Board of Aldermen that deserves serious consideration from anyone concerned over the environment or America’s dependence on foreign oil.
Resolution 140 is asking the city’s 28 aldermen to oppose any changes to federal CAFE standards. Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations were first put into place by congress in 1975 as a way to create better gas mileage during the United States’ embargo on Arab oil.
Currently, the standard for passenger cars sold in the U.S. is 27.5 mpg. Action by Congress could boost that to around 40 mpg.
The enactment of CAFE standards in the 70s resulted in America saving 300 million barrels of oil per day. However, critics have charged that better gas mileage has lead to the production of more lightweight, unsafe cars on the road. This argument just doesn’t hold water.
A report from the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration showed that the rate of traffic fatalities fell by 50% from 1975 to 1989. Safe automobiles are born of good design. High-strength, lightweight materials have been used successfully to reduce weight, while at the same time, give better protection in a collision.
Another factor that must be considered is health. Childhood asthma is occurring at twice the national average in St. Louis. Red Air Quality days have become frequent during the city’s hot and humid summer months. Automobile exhaust is no doubt contributing to our city’s poor air quality.
It is unwise, I believe, for St. Louis lawmakers to be considering a measure that does nothing but oppose better gas mileage and cleaner air. Americans and the environment have benefited from CAFE standards and now is not the time to turn back.
Jim Shrewsbury is the Acting-President of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen