Fossil Fuels Cause Heart Attacks

At a news conference today in Geneva, scientists revealed research that shows tiny particles released from burning fossil fuels are helping to cause heart attacks. The tiny particles inflame the heart membranes, and incite cardiovascular disease. It has long been known that burning fossil fuels results in emissions that affect the respiratory system, but this in new evidence that links fossil fuels to problems in the circulatory system, specifically heart attacks.

Particles are light and can travel 1,200 to 1,900 miles through air currents, making pollution of this type a global problem.

Read the entire article here.

EPA Approves Smart's ForTwo

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has approved a model of the long awaited Smart brand, a creation of Mercedes Benz. While Smart cars have been wheeling around Europe since 1998, they have never been made available to the public in the United States.

ZAP, not DaimlerChrysler, will be selling these vehicles until Smart officially enters the US, rumored to be in 2006. At that time, Smart will offer the US market with a small SUV, not the ForTwo pictured above.

The Smart ForTwo reportedly gets 61 mpg on a three cylinder gasoline engine.

Oregon, California Consider Driving Tax

When a tax on gasoline is political suicide but the necessity of the American transportation economy, elected and appointed officials are trying to come up with creative ways to encourage conservation. With hybrid car tax incentives, and permission to travel in the HOV lane and park free, lawmakers have become less creative.

In Oregon and California, officials are talking about imposing a tax on miles driven. GPS tracking would tax motorists who drive the most, and tax drivers based on time of day - just like your utility company. During rush hour, taxes would increase; at off hours, taxes would decrease.

A system of this scope would be exceptionally difficult to implement, and would be exceedingly unpopular. Few drivers are indifferent to taxes on consumption, but even fewer embrace the big brother feel of GPS monitoring.

Good luck getting re-elected.

Secretary of Energy Abraham Resigns

Today, Spencer Abraham, the Bush appointed Secretary of Energy announced his intention to resign his position. Environmentalists everywhere rejoiced.

Abraham, who has received thanks for his service from the White House receives no thanks from us but for his resignation.

Ironically, the man appointed as Secretary of Energy actually sponsored a bill in 1999 during his term in the Senate that would abolish the Department of Energy. Under President Bush, Abraham served as head of the Department of Energy. That's just not right.

The mission statement of the Department of Energy includes, "to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the united states." Could President Bush nominate anyone worse than Spencer Abraham to achieve that goal? Probably not, but don't misunderestimate him.

Porsche Cayenne Hybrid Rumored

According to MSNBC, luxury auto maker Porsche is considering making an edition of its popular Cayenne SUV that uses hybrid technology. The vehicle would license technology from Toyota - specifically the powertrain used in the Lexus 400h.

This would not be the first time that Toyota would license their hybrid design to another auto manufacturer, having already licensed hybrid technology to Nissan.

By licensing its technology, Toyota is capitalizing on its first mover advantage on top of the ultra successful Prius.

Johnny Knoxville: Man of the Week

This past Sunday on MTV's Viva La Bam, guest star Johnny Knoxville made history by defacing a Hummer with a reciprocating saw. Bam Margera, seen in the picture at right wielding a sledgehammer towards a poorly protected Knoxville, was the owner of the now convertable H2.

While we do not endorse the destruction of property, particularly the belongings of your friends and neighbors, it makes for great entertainment on television. Certainly, some have a knack for this kind of activity and have become pop culture icons as a result.

For his environmental leadership, Johnny Knoxville is the Hybrid Car Guide man on the week.

Toyota to Produce Hybrid Camry in 2006

Toyota will produce a hybrid version of the ubiquitous Camry, available in North America in 2006.

The Camry was the most popular passenger vehicle sold in the United States in 2002 and 2003. There is no question that a hybrid Camry will bring sustainable technology to the masses, all within the next few years. As early adopters gobbled up stocks of the popular Toyota Prius, causing shortages and waiting lists, the market has responded. Check out our list of future hybrid models.

The Kerry Buck Stops Here

As tonight's election unfortunately foretells, the future president will continue his energy policy of drilling to enhance supply.

The only way to affect the market is with your dollar, not your vote. Drilling is a discreet, not a continuous solution. While Senator Kerry promised increased tax incentives for hybrids, it looks like that won't be happening. A tax incentive would be nice, but consider the big picture. The future of the fossil fuel consuming western world depends on the discriminating, informed consumer dollar.

My consumer dollar is dedicated to energy independence. Is yours?