- Social:
Natural Resources Defense Council
Director of the Energy and Transportation Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council
PROFILE
Roland Hwang
Guest
FROM Roland Hwang
To the Point
There's Likely to Be an Electric Car in Your Future It's been 100 years since electric cars ruled the roads of industrial countries, until they were replaced by the internal combustion engine. But now, in Europe, China — and especially the US — electric cars are seen as the wave of the future. It won't be long before they're talking to one another. We hear how they're getting a boost from the scandalous cheating by Volkswagen and others to deceive the public about so-called "clean diesel." Car makers, government regulators and savvy investors predict the demand for electric cars is about to go through the roof.
Which Way, L.A.?
The Big Three and Mileage Standards: Obama and Round Two The auto industry and the cars Americans drive could be radically altered by Obama Administration efforts to increase vehicle mileage standards. To get an 89-billion dollar taxpayer bailout, car-makers went along. Mileage standards of 34.1 miles per gallon by 2016 were part of the deal. Now, during weeks of closed-door negotiations, the Obama Administration has been pushing an average of 56.2 miles per gallon by 2025 but, this time, the industry is pushing back, claiming that smaller, lighter, more efficient cars might not sell. We hear what's at stake.
To the Point
The Big Three and Mileage Standards: Obama and Round Two As the President and Congressional leaders work on possible tax reform and massive cuts in Social Security and Medicare, other changes might be in store. The auto industry and the cars Americans drive could be radically altered by Obama Administration efforts to increase vehicle mileage standards. To get an $89 billion taxpayer bailout, car-makers went along, after decades of losing market share to Europe and Asia. Mileage standards of 34.1 miles per gallon by 2016 were part of the deal. Now, during weeks of closed-door negotiations, the Obama Administration has been pushing an average of 56.2 miles per gallon by 2025 but, this time, the industry has been pushing back, claiming that smaller, lighter, more efficient cars might not sell. Neither side will talk publicly about weeks of secret negotiations. We hear what's at stake.
Recommended
To the Point
Trump's new look at civil rights and global warming President Trump is reportedly ready to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We look at the possible consequences. On the second half of the program, we hear about cuts in Obama-Era civil rights programs called for by the Trump Administration's first budget plan.
To the Point
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.
To the Point
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.
To the Point
Trump plays scolder-in-chief with NATO allies At the opening of NATO’s dramatic new headquarters in Brussels today, President Trump acknowledged that Article 5 — promising that “an attack on one nation is an attack on all” -- has only been invoked one time: in the aftermath of September 11. But the President failed to provide what 27 other Alliance members have been waiting for: a re-commitment by America’s new leader to Article 5. Instead, they got a scolding.