Republican Rep. Darrell Issa (Calif.), whose official role as chairman of the House oversight committee is to be an administrative gadfly, is investigating the new fuel economy standard the Obama administration announced last Friday.
Issa is concerned about how the Obama administration negotiated with car manufacturers over these standards, which will push the average fuel economy of the country's fleet of new cars and trucks to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. The problem, according to Issa, is that the standards could make cars cost more money and limit consumer choice.
Who knows if he's motivated by secret directions from car manufacturers, a genuine desire to be a major PITA to the president, or actual complaints from constituents worried about car prices? Basically, shorter Issa: “Why didn't Republicans have the chance to water down these regulations?? They've gotten a crack at almost every other environmental rule or law so far!”
