The Senate stood by the high-powered vehicles of suburbia this week and refused to impose tougher fuel economystandards. Instead, they voted overwhelmingly for a much weaker provision supported by the auto industry.

The bill would have increased fuel economy standards for the first time in 17 years, during which time gas-guzzlingSUVs have exploded onto US highways. Even though the proposal gave automakers 14 years to comply with the standards,automakers staunchly resisted the measure, as they have almost all regulatory changes, from mandatory seat belts toair bags.

Well yesterday, consumer advocate and former Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader stopped by our firehousestudios to talk about everything from last year’s elections, to his take on the so-called “war on terrorism” inAfghanistan, to the vote on fuel economy in the Senate.

Guest:

• Ralph Nader, consumer advocate, founder of Public Citizen.

Related links:

• Public Citizen
• Citizen Works
• Essential Information
• idealist.org