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An unusual measure passed the house last year, tucked away in the energy bill that was made into law in August. Lawmakers who use public funding to lease vehicles will be required to choose those that meet a certain standard of fuel efficiency. The new law, which affects the House of Representatives (senators are not allowed to use office funding for car leases), asks the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prepare a list of “approved” vehicles for congressional use. Those who favored the legislation hope that by setting a good example for the public, our elected leaders will help impact climate change and lessen our environmental impact.

The EPA list of acceptable cars is expected to be out before the end of 2008, and speculation about what will be included is rife. The EPA does host a Green Vehicle Guide website, which rates autos on a 0 to 10 scale for air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and many expect high scorers on that scale will populate the recommendations. These vehicles could include the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic hybrid, Ford Escape hybrid, and other low-impact options.

Reactions in the halls of Congress are mixed, with some representatives pleased to be doing their part and others angry at being forced to change their car choices. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, a Democrat from Missouri, drives a converted diesel van that runs on used vegetable oil. He has little sympathy for colleagues who must lease green cars. As he told the L.A. Times, “They want their Lexuses and their Cadillacs. I just think it’s a poor example for us to spend so much time talking about energy independence and global warming and presenting to the people an image of fat cats living the fat life.”

Others find the new law to be an unfair limitation. Joe L. Barton (R - Texas) expressed the opinion that it is one’s constituents who should decide if a vehicle is inappropriate for their congressman. “I guarantee you that my district is not upset that I’m driving a Chevy Tahoe.” His district, incidentally, is where his Tahoe was manufactured. Others complained that the list might hurt domestic automakers. “A Prius isn’t made in the United States,” Rep. Elton Gallegly of California noted. Some representatives also pointed out to the L.A. Times that they chose to lease certain vehicles due to mountainous districts and height requirements, which made small cars uncomfortable.

While the bill is undoubtedly controversial, it is also unusual in its specificity. We have many regulations and requirements of our federal representation, but choosing their vehicles for them is certainly a first. It’s not a surprise that some find the move too pushy and personal. After all, their constituents would balk if the situation were reversed; imagine Congress trying to pass a law that required us to buy only certain models of cars. That being said, congressional leaders are not your average Joes. They are using taxpayer money to lease these vehicles, and many of their taxpayers are choosing more responsible cars. While it may not be as flashy, I’m sure a hybrid SUV can climb mountains or accommodate tall representatives just as well as its gas-guzzling counterpart.

Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

By Haley January Eckels