Is the administration concerned that Japanese automakers have jumped into the lead in hybrid vehicles?
We’re certainly concerned about the overall health of the auto sector, particularly GM and Ford and Daimler-Chrysler. But our concerns are not as much on whether they took the right bet on hybrids as to how they’re managing their health care costs and their relations with the post-benefit (retirement) costs associated with the work force. That’s an issue that probably goes beyond energy policy. If we are buying hybrids as fast as the manufacturers can produce them, what is the logic to the tax credit? It would provide the greatest credit for the most fuel-efficient hybrids. Why hasn’t the administration said more about demand? Isn’t the real problem with American consumption the fact that we like to drive our big cars? I’m not going to be one who says American consumption is a problem. American consumption is in part driving the very sound economy that we have today. Can we do things in a more efficient manner, which is a significant public policy interest? I think we can. And it’s inc
