Open Thread

For general discussion and debate. Possible talking point: costly new emission standards when auto companies are failing?

President Barack Obama's new fuel and emission standards for cars and trucks will save billions of barrels of oil but are expected to cost consumers an extra $1,300 per vehicle by the time the plan is complete in 2016. Obama on Tuesday planned to announce the first-ever national emissions limits for vehicles, as well as require an overall or industry average fuel efficiency standard at 35.5 miles per gallon...Administration officials said consumers were going to pay an extra $700, anyway, for mileage standards that had already been approved. The Obama plan adds another $600 to the price of a vehicle, a senior administration official said, bringing the total cost to $1,300 by 2016.

With GM and Chrysler collapsing, and consumers struggling to make home payments, is this the time for such measures? Wouldn't it be better to wait until the industry is back on its feet as is the economy, or does that make too much sense?