Lawmakers being forced to give up gas-guzzling cars

A little-noticed amendment to last year’s energy bill requires House members who lease vehicles to select those that emit low levels of greenhouse gases.

WASHINGTON — Rep. Elton Gallegly of Simi Valley likes his taxpayer-funded Ford Expedition. He isn’t worried that it’s not the most fuel-efficient car. It’s reliable, suits his mountainous district and is cheaper to lease than many other vehicles.

“It’s not a Cadillac. It’s not a Lincoln. It’s a Ford,” the Republican congressman said with exasperation.



But like it or not, Gallegly and other lawmakers will have to give up gas-hungry SUVs and luxury sedans for leased vehicles that are more eco-correct, such as Toyota’s Prius.

And some are in a high-octane fit about it.

LA Times