Obama putting quick stamp on Environmental Policy

The article I selected came from the Herald Tribune, titled "Obama putting quick stamp on Environmental Policy."

http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/01/26/america/calif.4-416351.php

It is extremely refreshing to see that, in the midst of such an ugly economic crisis, Obama is not hesitant to take measures in all areas of policy.  The proposed policy discussed in the article brings in the environmental actions that many environmental analysts and european counterparts have been calling for for several years now.  Although he recognizes the severe stress that is currently being felt by the U.S auto industry, Obama has stayed true to his campaign promises on emission standards and other environmental issues. 

It is clear that concise federal regulations are needed in order to be consistent and effective. For years states have been waxing and waning on exactly how to set the proper emission standards without compromising their economy.  A national policy will eliminate the threat of economic instability from state to state.  It will also demonstrate internationally a great change in the right direction.  This is now the U.S that is far removed from the days of the Kyoto Protocal! 

Why won't gas prices go up!

I certainly do not condone gas companies making outrageous profits off of sky high gas prices during an economic crisis. I did, however, take great joy in the changes that the United States finally started making once gas started moving into luxury status.

The U.S has been sluggish at best in reforming its bullish ways and adopting more sustainable practices. U.S automakers such as Chevrolet and Ford have had fuel efficient cars on the european market for years and claim they need time to develop the technology. What Americans think they "need" in terms of material goods in light of information about the damage being done to the environment for those goods never made a difference. Apparently we can look past a brown cloud across our skyline, but $4.00 a gallon!? That is disgusting and we will not stand for it!

Yes, I was glad when gas prices neared $5.00 a gallon. Not everything good can be measured in monetary terms. If that is what its going to take to push Americans into reforming their wasteful habits, then so be it.

I realize this is not a post specific to environmental policy, but I thought I would get the semester off with some good old political ranting.