Bush signs bill to increase fuel efficiency

He thanks congressional Democrats for higher vehicle mileage standards, other measures. Future agreement on further energy-saving policies will be elusive.

President Bush on Wednesday signed an energy bill designed to cut U.S. dependence on overseas oil by imposing the biggest increase in fuel-efficiency standards in 32 years and mandating a fivefold increase in the use of home-grown biofuels.

"Today we make a major step toward reducing our dependence on oil, confronting global climate change, expanding the production of renewable fuels and giving future generations of our country a nation that is stronger, cleaner and more secure," Bush said in a ceremony at the Department of Energy.

People want fuel efficient vehicles that are good for the environment, good for the world and cheaper on our pocketbook.

This emphasis on biofuels and ethanol has raised the price of corn from $2.40/bushel to $4.00/bushel, helping out corn farmers. The ethanol industry helps out with the bottom line for farmers, allowing them to continue making a living.

But as we have all discussed, biofuels that are based on corn, a food source for biped mammals, is not an efficient fuel source. It puts us in a position to choose fuel over food. Not a good idea. Much better to have a fuel source that does not compete with the production of baby food. Corn is simply not the most efficient way to make ethanol. Switchgrass has consistently been referred to as a more efficient and viable source of biofuel.

On the surface, this is a move in the right direction. It's not often that we can see our government doing the right thing.

Unfortunately this will contribute to a lull or stall in the dependence of wind energy. A more productive energy bill would be all encompassing, including wind, solar and cow farts.

You can read about Bush's fuel efficiency bill here

ANd read what AlJazeera has to say about Bush