Can't the General get a break? First, you had The Prez postulatin' US automakers are more Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm's problem than a national one. Next, Commerce Secretary Guttierez in Detroit earlier this week basically tellin' the Detroit Economic Club "hell no" to providing help to US automakers. Now, the Bush administration looks to be getting one of those election-year green thumbs, and considering a push for higher fuel-economy standards for SUV's and sports-utes. Uh Oh.
According to today's Wall Street Journal, the change in regulation is currently under review by the White House Office of Management and Budget and could be issued next week by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).
We'd be remiss without providing the best line of the Journal story:
"some questioned whether the administration would hit GM at a time when the company is facing significant financial troubles."
Wait a second. Someone is seriously wondering if a politician will put politics above policy and if so...mind if we get a word with them? Cause we totally have this bridge we've been meaning to sell over in Brooklyn.
Big SUV's May Face Tougher Fuel Standards (subs. req.) [WSJ]
Commerce chief touts free trade, competitiveness [Freep]
Related:
Disassociatin' With Dubya: Detroit Automakers Disowned by Prez [internal]