There’s a great story today in the LA Times about US lawmakers and their cars.

According to journalist Richard Simon, “a little-noticed amendment to last year’s energy bill … requires House members who lease vehicles through their office budgets to drive cars that emit low levels of greenhouse gases”.

This means the big, gas-guzzling monsters beloved of true Americans are out, and the cuddly, slightly-eco-friendlier models beloved of Europeans, Hollywood actors and hippies are in.

The best part of Simon’s story though is the quotes…

“A Prius isn’t made in the United States,” complains Republican Elton Gallegly, who would rather drive a (US-made) Ford.

“I guarantee you my district is not upset that I’m driving a Chevy Tahoe,” exclaims Republican Joe L. Barton (whose district makes Chevy Tahoes).

“I will start driving a green car once [Democrat House Speaker Nancy] Pelosi starts ballooning back and forth from coast to coast to save jet fuel,” shouts Republican Tom Feeney.

“I really would prefer to be driving a tank,” sighs Republican Democrat Alcee L. Hastings [apologies for error – ed.].

It’s not all the right wing bashing eco-cars though.

Republican John T. Doolittle says, “People might think, if they don’t have one, well, those are the funny-looking, weak little cars. But a hybrid can give a tremendous power boost to a car.”

You really should read the full article.

Image: AddStyle