American culture is replete with examples of corporations sponsoring everything from sporting events to television programs to the local telethon. Commercial sponsorship rarely comes without a cost, however. Sponsors expect a return on their investments, in the form of increased consumption of their goods or services. This symbiotic relationship has apparently spilled into the public sector, where our government not only has commercial sponsors but will do anything to protect their interests.
The most recent conflict of interest comes from California, where Gov. Gray Davis is paving the way for greater fuel efficiency standards. California is notorious for air pollution problems, and the state is certainly in need of higher environmental standards. The California state government's most recent initiative is to establish quotas for the sale of electric cars in California. According to Davis' plan, from 2003 to 2008 a portion of the cars sold in California would have to be gas-electric hybrids, but after five years, they will have to be straight electric. While the plan seems like one that would benefit both the environment and the consumers, the Bush administration disagrees.
On behalf of their chief sponsors, the auto and oil industries, the Bush administration filed a brief stating that the quotas violate the ability of Congress to have a single "fuel efficiency" standard. The filer was none other than Bush's chief of staff, Andrew H. Card Jr., who was once chief lobbyist for General Motors. His expertise in the area is clearly outweighed by his bias.
The problem that many have with this announcement is that it is not surprising. We are beginning to expect Bush to put the interests of his fiscal contributors ahead of the people whom he is supposed to look out for and protect. The Bush administration's environmental record is shoddy at best. It will be very difficult for him to look into the eyes of Californians and tell them that he is objectively looking out for their best interests.
This issue seems especially pertinent, and even more sinister, when the role of oil is included. The ties between the administration and the oil industry are highly visible and too close for comfort. If people need less fuel for their cars, the industry makes less money, and oil is no longer a necessity worth sending soldiers to die for. Rather than standing up for the environment and the health of millions, the president has opted to protect the fiscal well-being of his two biggest supporters.
Hybrid and electric cars are not only a possibility for the future, but an attractive option for the present. In California, the Toyota Prius has sold over 34,000 models since being introduced over two years ago. Another prominent hybrid model, the Honda Civic hybrid, is expected to sell 20,000 in its first year on the market. Customers are impressed both by mileage of up to 75 miles to the gallon and the hybrids' surprisingly strong engines. Japanese manufacturers have already realized the possibilities of this new technology and have begun to reap the benefits. Bush is conveniently overlooking these practical improvements and progressive technologies for the benefit of his financial supporters.
The president has proved that he is no friend to the environment. He has proved that he is no friend to the people of California, either, as this brief comes on the tails of news that Dick Cheney and Enron orchestrated the California energy crisis almost two years ago. The facts are all there, and lists of actions keep piling up. At this rate, it is only a matter of time before advertisements for General Motors interrupt the State of the Union address and a Mobil banner adorns the walls of the Oval Office.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
