Auto Bailout Bill Lists Environmental Goals above Boosting U.S. Auto Sales

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The draft legislation that would enshrine in federal law the agreement that President Bush and the Democratic Congress have made to bailout U.S. automakers lists the environmental purposes of the bill above the purpose of increasing sales of American-made automobiles. Section 2 of the draft legislation states what Congress perceives to be the “purposes” of the bill. The first “purpose” listed is “to immediately provide authority and facilities to restore liquidity and stability to the domestic automobile industry in the United States.” The second “purpose” specifically cited is “to ensure that such authority and such facilities are used in a manner that—(A) results in a viable and competitive automobile industry that minimizes adverse effects on the environment; (B) enhances the ability and the capacity of the domestic automobile industry to pursue the timely and aggressive production of energy-efficient advanced technology vehicles.” Section 3 of the draft bill authorizes the president to name a “designee” who has been dubbed the “Car Czar,” although under the actual terms of the bill this “designee” need not necessarily be a single person. The bill suggests that this person or persons have expertise in “energy efficiency” and “environmental protection.”....