Should the U.S. government provide incentives for manufacturers to build fuel-efficient cars?

Yes
No
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11/11/2006 2:24:25 PM

I'm sold on this one now. I say it's ready.

11/9/2006 10:08:58 PM

issue revision:

per comments
Should we provide incentives for manufacturers to build fuel efficient cars?
Yes
No

11/9/2006 7:40:45 PM

Seems like a fair question, but the "we" ought to be "Should the federal government . . .?" 

I can imagine several reasons why someone might say no, ranging from "Keep the government out of it" to "The marketplace will take care of it!" But, unlike with my comments about Kyoto, and after some reflection, I think it's fair to ask for a Yes or No. The issue is, should the government get into the business of (further) incentivizing fuel efficiency; and that issue has to be decided as a basic approach before we can even get to the specifics (such as the "vehicle and fuel choice" measures discussed in Congress over the summer).

11/9/2006 5:23:49 PM

Possible alternatives or additional questions:

What incentives will motivate manufacturers to build fuel efficient cars?

Why should the US government provide incentives for manufacturers to build fuel efficient cars?

The latter question might be interesting, as answers could include:  (1) national security, (2) environmental protection, etc. or all of the above.

11/9/2006 5:08:13 PM

agree with eddie... who is "we"?

we could remove the "we" entirely... "Should the auto industry be given incentives to build fuel-efficient cars?"

11/9/2006 5:00:40 PM

I agree that this subject has multiple layers - incentives? if so, then in what form? Some may agree that there needs to be incentives but disagree on the definition. i like the entire debate, the floor should open.

11/9/2006 4:49:21 PM

The topic is relevant and interesting but "we" ought to be changed "the government", yeah?  We is too general.

5/9/2006 8:31:15 AM

I think this is a viable topic, and we ought to open it up.  I suggest raising this one first as a general issue, and in the future, moving to discuss the merits of any specific incentives (many incentives are actually nothing more than disguised subsidies - or pork).

5/8/2006 12:35:08 PM

Some of this is kind of going on right now...but I'm always amazed at those who say we should keep drilling and searching for more oil.  If we really force manufacturers to raise fule efficiency upwards of 35 miles a gallon, will this help us more, or will it hurt manufacturers?

Is this a step towards reducing our dependence and slowly moving towards otther enegry means, or should we continue to eat up as much oil as possible?