Mandates-(a)


 * Bezdek, Roger, Robert M. Wendling. “Fuel Efficiency and the Economy.” __American__** **__Scientist__ 93.2 (March/April 2005): 132-140.**

The authors, president and vice-president of an economic research firm called Management Information Services, examine how much fuel the U.S. would save by enacting standards that require greater fuel efficiency, whether such standards would harm the U.S. economy, and whether fuel economy standards would cost thousands of jobs as was argued when the McCain-Kerry bill was voted down in 2002. Using input-output models, the authors come to the conclusions that new CAFÉ (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards would not be detrimental to the economy as a whole, that automotive industries would actually benefit from the new standards, and that oil-related industries would suffer. This article provides a good policy-level analysis of competing issues with respect to fuel economy standards. (Katie Ertmer)


 * Carbaugh, Robert and Charles Wassell, Jr. “Reducing American Dependence on Oil.”** **__Challenge__ 49.6 (November/December 2006): 55-77.**

The authors, professors of economics at Central Washington University, argue that the rate at which the U.S. consumes oil and the rate at which it imports oil from other countries endanger national security by exposing the U.S. economy to oil shocks. This article mainly focuses on reduction of demand (as opposed to increased domestic production) as a means to decrease dependence on foreign oil. The authors list a number of options including rationing, (through both transferable and nontransferable coupons) increasing the gasoline tax, and implementing higher fuel economy requirements. The article is a good summary of a variety of options. (Katie Ertmer)

(Raquel Simental) This article discusses the challenges that current Senate energy bills will face, including coal, oil, auto and other manufacturing interest heavily lobbying to block or dilute the measures; Democrats who chair key committees siding with the coal and auto interests; and white house veto threats. Democrat leaders in the Senate have said they hope to pass a final version of the bill by July 4th.
 * [[file:Lawmakers_face_challenges_to_draft_energy_bi.DOC]]**
 * Blumenthal, Les. “Lawmakers face challenges to draft energy bill.” //Tri-City Herald// 17 June 2007: A1.**