Environmental controversy-energy - Essay Example

Environmental controversy-energy Grade (4th, March. Environmental controversy-energy The government should greatly increase fuel efficiency standards for all vehicles, since there are various benefits that come with increased fuel consumption efficiency. The first argument that influences my decision in support of increased fuel efficiency standards is the fact that, increased fuel efficiency would reduce the wave of oil shocks that are experienced by the country every now and then (National Research Council, 2002).

With a reduced fuel consumption for all vehicles, it is apparent that the oil imported into the country would serve for longer than it does now, thus reducing the oil shocks that comes with reduced supply of oils. With reduces oil consumption, the oil reserves will always be highly sufficient to cover the whole duration when a shortage of supply could be experienced, and thus eliminate the shocks that are associated with oil price hikes every time a shortage in supply is looming. Another argument in support of government intervention to increase fuel efficiency is the fact that, this intervention will go a long way in mitigating the impacts of global warming and air pollution (National Research Council, 2002).

With reduced fuel consumption for each vehicle, the gasoline emissions which cause air pollution and the consequent degradation of the ozone layer; which poses a great danger of global warming, could be reduced (Faiz, Weaver, Walsh & Gautam, 1996). This is also in line with the current policy for environmental protection, since global warming is an emerging important concern for the world. Thus, for those opposed to the government intervention to enhance fuel efficiency for all vehicles, the best explanation to have them support the move, is welcoming them to the realization that improved fuel efficiency does not only help in the conservation of our environment, but also in avoiding the price shocks associated with oil supply fluctuations.

ReferencesFaiz, A., Weaver, C. S., Walsh, M. P., & Gautam, S. P. (1996). Air pollution from motor vehicles; standards and technologies for controlling emissions. Washington, D.C: The World Bank. National Research Council (U.S.)., National Research Council (U.S.)., & National Research Council (U.S.). (2002). Effectiveness and impact of corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards. Washington, D.C: National Academy Press.