Not only passenger vehicles can save fuel

Steadily improving passenger vehicles' miles per gallon is an ongoing big topic in government. This focus comes complete with a never-ending supply of mandates and subsidizes.

Passenger vehicles are one thing, but how about tractor trailer rigs that roll every day, 24 hours a day? What about straight trucks ranging from very big on down to short-run smaller straights? How about heavy mining and construction machinery? How about cargo ships and barges? How about the thousands of products made from petroleum-based material?

Any improvement is good, but it makes no sense to focus primarily on only one part of petroleum consumption. This approach, however, makes good bombast material for some of our political cadre.

Gary Sargent

Cedar Rapids