In a stunning blow for common sense, the EPA changed the way they test the fuel economy of all cars a few months ago, accounting for such wild and reckless behavior as driving at 80 MPH, running the air conditioning in 95ºF temperatures, and driving in 20ºF weather, all of which use more fuel than the standard tests. These changes won’t show up on cars until the 2008 model year, but at least it’s done, and we the consumers didn’t get screwed in the process.
Well, not entirely. As we lounged at 35,000 feet in the Dubspeed private jet, sipping the finest cognac in our silk smoking jackets and enjoying the services of the many fine dancing girls under our employ, Zerin mentioned the gas guzzler tax to me. It seemed to him that a decrease in MPG ratings across the board, especially if it reflects a more realistic rating, should lead to a corresponding decrease in the numbers on the tax schedule for the gas guzzler tax, yet this had not happened.
Read Article