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Southern California Life
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Friday, August 20, 2004
Southern California, Smog, and Hybrid
Automobiles
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Southern California, Smog, and Hybrid
Automobiles
Almost two years ago California became the first state in
the nation to create a law mandating the reduction of
greenhouse gases from auto emissions. This has caused great
concern for US automakers because California is such an
important state for the auto industry, and fuel-efficiency
(the key to emission reduction for gas-consuming cars) has
simply not been a concern for the Industry.
According to CNN, "Smog, or ground-level ozone, is
formed when pollutants from vehicles, factories and other
fossil fuels react with sunlight. It is linked with human
respitory problems including asthma, emphysema, and
bronchitis". Still, the auto industry - particularly
the U.S auto industry - acts almost as if it's not their
problem, nor a reason for concern. Yet, even the Pentagon
recently stated that global warming was one of the biggest
concerns for the safety of the United States.
Furthermore, today, the Wall Street Journal published an
article High Demand for Oil Could Mean High Prices Are Here
for the Long Run. That story points out "Unlike in the
1970s, the problem this time isn't primarily a supply shock
in which the world's biggest oil spigots have been shut off.
It's that, even though they're wide open, the world is
consuming pretty much everything that comes out of the
ground." Therefore, demand – much like prices –
will remain high well into the future.
Moreover, as the war in Iraq, significantly fueled by oil,
rages, it is obvious that American's cannot rely on American
Corporations to do the right thing. Instead, Americans will
have to do the right thing.
Buy a hybrid. Today's hybrid car technology already achieves
the needed reduction in emissions.
The Toyota Prius hybrid is a good start, and Los Angeles is
already home to more hybrids than any other city in the U.S.
The Honda Civic Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid should also
be worthy competitors of the Prius. If those cars are not
classy enough - California drivers are the most vain in the
country - then you're still in luck. The Lexus SUV hybrid
should quench the thirst of most high-end buyers.
The Ford Escape Hybrid will also be out this year, but
recent reports indicate that the Escape is still very prone
to rollover, so keep that in mind. So, if you are in the
auto-market, be a good citizen, don't buy a gas-guzzler.
Join the Hybrid
Buyers Club.
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