Bring It On!

Congress Not Happy With New Rules That Require Them To Stop Using Gas Guzzlers

May 2nd, 2008 | by Ken Grandlund |

Oh, our poor, poor elected congressional leaders. New rules in last years energy bill are requiring them to stop leasing gas guzzling vehicles that are paid for with tax payer dollars. No more Hummers or Lincoln Navigators it seems.

In an effort to put our money where their mouths are, a little noted amendment in last years energy bill now requires House members who lease vehicles through their office budgets to drive cars that emit lower levels of greenhouse gases. The amendment was inserted by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, a Missouri Democrat, who thought that all the tough talk about combatting greenhouse gas emissions should have at least a little meat on it.

“They want their Lexuses and their Cadillacs,” he said. “I just think it’s a poor example for us to spend so much time talking about energy independence and global warming and presenting to the people an image of fat cats living the fat life.”

Imagine that. Forcing the same folks who tell Americans that we need to try harder to limit climate changing carbon emissions to live by their own words. Why, that’s nearly unheard of, isn’t it? After all, they seldom actually live by what they mandate. And God forbid they actually apply the same standards to themselves that they try to set for the great, unwashed masses…

Some snips from the LA Times:

Rep. Elton Gallegly of Simi Valley likes his taxpayer-funded Ford Expedition. He isn’t worried that it’s not the most fuel-efficient car. It’s reliable, suits his mountainous district and is cheaper to lease than many other vehicles. “It’s not a Cadillac. It’s not a Lincoln. It’s a Ford,” the Republican congressman said with exasperation. “A Prius isn’t made in the United States,” Gallegly complained.

Um…actually, how much of that Ford Expedition was made in the USA, congressman? Or was it just “assembled” in country? Talk about an excuse with no teeth.

Texas Republican Joe L. Barton, who will probably have to give up his Chevy Tahoe, despite his protests that it is made in his district. “I guarantee you my district is not upset that I’m driving a Chevy Tahoe,” he said.

Really, Congressman? Have you taken a poll on that?

Rep. Alcee L. Hastings (D-Fla.), who said he chose an Infiniti M45 because it is suited for the high speeds on Interstate 95, which runs through his district, said that safety is his top concern. “If you don’t have some giddyup, you’re in a lot of trouble,” he said. “I really would prefer to be driving a tank.”

Hey, Congressman…what about those pesky speed limit laws?

Really though, if these petty complaints don’t clearly illustrate the kind of mentality that infuses elected officialdom, I don’t know what does. After all, no one is telling these folks what kind of personal vehicle they can drive around, just what kind of vehicle they can pay for with tax payer money. And to me, that seems only fair. After all, if they are going to actually get serious about mandating higher CAFE standards or try to embrace cleaner energy initiatives, shouldn’t they at least put out the appearance of trying to make a difference?

Clearly, switching to more fuel efficient and less polluting vehicles is only a very small drop in the bucket of change, especially when we’re talking about a grand total of about 130 cars. But leadership is about much more than just telling others what to do and how to do it. It’s about setting an example. And if you ask me, this is as good a place to start as any.