New survey shows big public support for fuel efficiency, renewable energy research

Congress did pass the first increase in fuel efficiency standards for our automobiles in over 30 years in 2007, but the fight continues over whether or not to fund more research into renewable energy. A survey by Pew found strong support for both, as well as for funding mass transit. Since I am a nerd for these kinds of issues, I feel compelled to point out that there is a horsepower race going on in cars sold in our country that rivals even the muscle car era of the 1960's, in spite of the all-time record high fuel prices. Most 4 cylinder engines today have the horsepower that most V6 engines had just 10-15 years ago. Today's 4 cylinder engines also have the power that V8 engines had 30 years ago. Yet so many consumers continue to opt for V6 engines, because they think power is all about the number of cylinders. And who is going to tell them otherwise? The dealers and auto industry that has higher profit margins on V6 upgrades than on standard 4 cylinder cars? Most of the world has long been paying far more than the $3 a gallon we are now paying for gasoline, so there is no reason for us to complain about it. Also, it is sometimes easier to express our opinion for change in a public opinion poll than to, say, actually make some minor changes in our own lives that could tremendously benefit our environment and our nation's energy independence.