Editorial: Positive movement on gas mileage rules

Friday, Feb. 23, 2001 | 10:22 a.m.

It is encouraging that Ford Motor Co. says it is time to discuss raising federal gas mileage standards -- a seemingly heretical thought for an automaker. This shouldn't be too surprising with Ford, though, since under William Clay Ford Jr.'s leadership it has adopted a more friendly attitude to the environment.

But before environmentalists start popping champagne corks, it should be cautioned that all Ford has committed to do is look at the issue -- the company isn't yet favoring tougher standards. And the rest of the powerful auto industry, which has used its political clout to stop this move before, may not go along with Ford. They may not have a choice, however. Rising fuel prices make such opposition untenable, renewing hope that Congress will require better fuel-efficiency standards.

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