Owning an SUV condones environmental destruction, reduced national security, inordina - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

fedup · 10-28-2001, 22:50

Here's my side of the story and many other antiSUVers. In the 1970s, oil dependence and pollution were serious problems. Laws were made to improve both of these. Cars got smaller, but also became less safe in many cases. New catalytic converters and better fuel efficency helped the air quality. Having the exact same trends in Europe and Asia called for more efficient engines, smaller cars, and higher fuel prices. From those, public transportation increased, pollution drastically decreased, and hybrid and fuel cell engines are becoming huge musts for energy independence and reduced pollution. A pollution free, hydrogen based transportation system is being heavily invested in Japan and Singapore. They also fully understand that oil is nonrenewable.

Back in the US, a loophole existed for these SUV light trucks to be developed without regard to fuel usage or pollution. Automakers make a fortune from these things, and Americans buy them due to heavy advertising. Small cars are being pitted against large trucks and tragically losing in accidents. America's foreign oil dependence is well over 60% now and climbing. We can't produce enough oil here because it is already gone or rapidly depleting. Pollution rates along with respiratory health problems are at increasing rates due to the increase in carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxides from the big SUV craze. Government is very concerned about our oil dependence and the role the US must play in oil rich countries to protect our oil interests. They don't want to forbid SUVs, but want to encourage people to understand the problems and buy hybrid engine and fuel cell vehicles once available. Bush's energy plan reaches everything from responsible vehicle tax credits to research on nuclear fusion to renewable energy to reducing the global warming problems.

No matter much extra work one does on recycling or garbage pickup, transportation consequences are overwhelming on many facets. They affect our national security, our air quality, our respiratory health quality, our national resources and parks protection, and our highway safety. This SUV craze is a complete backward and dangerous trend for America! Owning an SUV condones environmental destruction, reduced national security, inordinate resource depletion, and reduced highway safety.

For more information, visit www.fueleconomy.gov which further details this serious problem. Many government groups, health organizations, respectable environmental groups, and world scientists and coming out on this issue, and would like the American consumer to know the truth about the many pitfalls of these vehicles called SUVs.

FM · 10-29-2001, 02:48

Thank feck I live in horsepower crazzee Oz..

bobh · 10-29-2001, 11:00

Quote:

Originally posted by fedup
Owning an SUV condones environmental destruction, reduced national security, inordinate resource depletion, and reduced highway safety.

I don't like 'em either, but spreading that kind of BS ain't helping anybody. It's economics. When gas is too expensive for people to drive around in 5,000 lb pigmobiles then the car companies won't make 'em.

Yes, they should meet the same economy & safety stds as anything else on the road (what about motorcycles?), but calling SUVs a threat to national security is crap-ola.

Nylie · 10-29-2001, 14:25

You all made some good points. I myself hate most SUV's. I dont mind Jeeps as much because they are what they are. No hype. I just hate the big SUV's and how most poeple have no clue on how to handle them.

Trey · 10-29-2001, 18:44

oh god...not this topic again.....:err:

fedup · 10-29-2001, 19:01

Trey,
I'm afraid this is one topic that won't go away any time soon. Americans are divided over this SUV issue. But, our oil dependence on foreign, many times unstable, sources is going to become a huge issue. Iraq, provides 25% of US oil-a government against the US and potential terrorist. Saudi Arabia, provides a lot more US oil, but refuses to turn over names of passengers on airlines flying to the US. Kuwait, so close to Iraq and 6000 US troops are stationed in Gulf region to protect the place. Oil rich Iran and Caspian Sea- more unstable US oil providers. US oil supplies? dwindling fast
Easiest way to conserve? Convince the new city SUV drivers that these large vehicles belong on the farm or towing, not for showing off.

GalaxyEng · 10-30-2001, 15:22

I think I'll go fire up the Lightning and burn some gas polluting the environment with TIRE SMOKE!!:s3

I do agree there are to many soccer mom driving 4x4s when they really need a minivan, but what the heck it's a free country.

Trey · 11-01-2001, 10:34

no, The topic itself is a good one that brings up many valid, and prehaps somewhat disturbing points.

What I meant was "oh no, not again --->http://discussions.fordforums.com/sh...?threadid=6768

JLBullitt · 11-07-2001, 08:45

No matter what "corrective" action people try to take I have a hard time believing that, in this crazy world, any progress will be made.

I used to drive an '86 Escort, very fuel efficient. I just bought a 2001 Mustang Bullitt (15-18 mpg), guess what! I wouldn't go back to economy.

My Uncle works for ExxonMobil (BIG oil), and they're always finding new oil, right here at home (South US & Gulf of Mexico).

I often wonder if these oil "shortages" are just made up to make an excuse for driving up gas prices.

Anyway, you don't have to be a SUV to use gas, I prefer to use mine for speed!!

Trey · 11-13-2001, 12:01

Quote:

Originally posted by JLBullitt

I often wonder if these oil "shortages" are just made up to make an excuse for driving up gas prices.

I don't think they're made up, as the Federal Government would put a limit on exactly how high those gas prices would climb. Also, you should bear in mind that most of the rest of the world pays ALOT more for gas than you and I. I think these "shortages" are a way of letting the rest of us know that we should look into other ways of getting around (public transportation, etc.)