32 mpg by 2014 - period.
Not bad, although if not for decades of resistance from oil and auto industries it could already have surpassed that value a long time ago, and without long term financial detriment to either industry. I remember cars in the 80's getting 40-50 mpg. How is it that mpg standards have in fact declined? I don't buy this pessimist/can't-do attitude of "it's too expensive", "it's impossible".
Your tone suggests that you think there ought not to be any. Am I wrong?
It's funny, I was going to suggest that the energy industries are in fact already an arm of the government, given that their money and lobbyists essentially dictate government policy. Yes, there are regulations in place. But for example, mpg standards haven't been amended since 1975, while the number of vehicles and the population have increased dramatically, while technologies have also advanced.
Aren't jobs going overseas because wages are cheaper? I'm sorry I'm not an economist, but how is this outsourcing a direct result of the regulation of polluting emissions? industry has to pass off the costs by not hiring American workers?