On Friday, the Environmental Protection Agency stunned many observers by finalizing emissions standards* for new cars through the year 2025. While environmental groups praised the ruling--which came more than a year before it was due--automakers grumbled that the new benchmarks would force companies to make smaller, gas-sipping vehicles that...

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Codswallop. We had more economical cars than today 30 years ago. Throw out all the junk they're packing cars with and you'll make 100mpg without even trying. When I see brand new cars made of plastic and tin foil that weigh more than my '85, there's something far far wrong.

I can't wait to see the moral dilemma of which law of the land becomes more important - occupant safety or green house gas emissions in a vehicle. At some point in time, you have to trade off one for the other. Cars (theoretically) have to get lighter to get better mpg. Lighter cars mean smaller, less occupant safe cars since there is less sheet metal to crumple and air bags and seat belts can only do so much.