Dingellsaurus

The pejorative term that refers to U.S. Representative John D. Dingell (D - MI) for being in bed with the auto industry and standing in the way of legislation tightening fuel economy standards that could help solve climate. Rep. Dingell is a ranking member on the Committee on Energy and Commerce. He's been in Congress five decades.

This excerpt from a speech he gave to the Detroit Economic Club in May 2007 shows the rhetorical skill this old codger has. He points the finger away from the auto industry, instead of honing in on the contribution to solving climate that the industry can make.

CAFE has served an important purpose. But I think it’s time to move
beyond what has become a stale and sterile debate over Corporate
Average Fuel Economy standards. As the needs of the Nation, and the
technology of vehicles and fuels, have evolved, it is becoming clear
that regulating miles per gallon is no longer adequate.

The
CAFE system has effectively served as a form of carbon cap. The auto
industry today is the only industry in the country with a carbon
constraint. But the light duty vehicle fleet only accounts for about 25
percent of our economy’s greenhouse gas emissions. Rather than ratchet
down only on cars and light trucks, I propose that we spread the burden
evenly and equally.

I would further
propose that we find a more effective way to reduce both petroleum
consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Vehicles and fuels exist
together as a system.

Consider this: Car
A gets 35 miles per gallon burning Middle Eastern oil. Car B gets 30
miles per gallon burning a carbon neutral biofuel grown right here in
the USA. Which car better serves our national goals?

Is there no option C?