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The Hummer

Photo Source: Automotive Buzz

The Hummer is a telling indicator of the energy present in the United States—highly inefficient yet encouraged by existing energy and tax policy.

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Facts on Inefficient Transportation & Inappropriate Policy
See Contributor’s Guide below.

Developed for military applications, the Hummer family was introduced to the world during the first Gulf War.
It was adapted for consumer use at the urging of the current governor of California, the Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The U.S. government does not require the Hummer H2 to meet the federal fuel efficiency regulations established under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 because its gross weight exceeds 8500 lbs.
GM is not required to disclose the vehicle’s fuel economy. Dealers estimate that it gets about 10 mpg under regular driving conditions.
Sales of the Hummer H2 are not factored into the assessment of whether GM is achieving the federally mandated corporate average fuel efficiency (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light trucks.
Small business owners and the self-employed who purchase a Hummer H2 qualify for a Section 179 deduction under U.S. tax code because the vehicle tips the scales at more than 6000 lbs. The full purchase price may be deducted, leading to a tax savings that may total tens of thousands of dollars.
The prices paid for gasoline and other energy commodities fail to account for the "true costs" associated with their use. "True cost" considerations include air and water quality, public health, national security, climate change, etc.

Visions of Inefficient Transportation & Inappropriate Policy
See Contributor’s Guide below.

Contributor’s Guide
The Hummer is just one indicator of today’s inefficient transportation system and of energy-related policies that encourage wasteful uses, promote fossil fuel consumption, and discourage the adoption of cleaner and green options. Data, information, art, and photos are sought that address topics such as the ones listed below:

Facts on Inefficient Transportation & Inappropriate Policy

Vehicle ownership
Boat ownership
Fuel use and emissions
Traffic and congestion
Environmental, land use, and other policy anomalies
Subsidies
Externalized costs
Your ideas?

Visions of Inefficient Transportation & Inappropriate Policy

Gridlocked roads and bridges
Fuel-devouring vehicles and boats
Empty transit
Auto-centric culture
Uneven playing field
True costs
Inadequate accounting
Your ideas?

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