National security concerns demand that we find ways to conserve oil. Even politicians have finally begun to recognize the importance of conservation. However, many proposals would actually undercut efforts to boost the fuel efficiency of our auto fleet.

Environmentalists have been touting fuel cell cars for several years. However, recent proposals from the Bush and Engler Administrations that would focus exclusively on these cars at the expense of promising current technology like hybrid cars are unwise. A marketable fuel cell car is 10 to 15 years away and does not help us conserve fuel now.

Raising fuel efficiency standards, better known as CAFE (for corporate average fuel economy), is the best way to immediately reduce our dependency on foreign oil. By raising the CAFE standard to 40 mpg, the United States can save four million barrels per day. Currently, the United States imports 11 million barrels per day. Although fuel efficiency standards were first enacted in the 1970s, loopholes have diminished its effect. For example, SUVs meet lower standards than regular cars and have therefore had an unfair competitive advantage. Raising CAFE standards would give high fuel efficiency cars an equal chance to compete in the marketplace alongside gas-guzzling behemoths.

High fuel efficiency cars exist today. Both Honda and Toyota are selling hybrid gas-electric vehicles that get over 50 miles per gallon. Toyota's goal is to sell 300,000 hybrid vehicles by 2005. Honda on the other hand is introducing a Hybrid Civic that will also get 50 miles per gallon and is the first time this new technology will be implemented in a well-known, high production model.

Critics have contended that raising fuel efficiency will compromise the safety of automobiles and result in Michigan job losses. Nothing is farther from the truth. The safety argument is made on the assumption that automakers will need lighter, smaller cars to meet the requirement. Today, innovative carmakers achieve higher fuel efficiency by producing hybrid engines and using innovative metals that are both lighter and stronger. For example, automakers will soon get mileage improvements by incorporating hybrid systems in SUVs like the Ford Escape and Dodge Durango.

As for jobs, Detroit automakers' past refusal to change in the face of rising fuel prices and the demand for more fuel-efficient cars led to the devastating job losses of the late 1970s. If domestic automakers continue to lag behind foreign automakers, Michigan workers could experience the same results.

Slowing our consumption of oil requires both short- and long-term strategies. Short-term strategies, such as raising CAFE standards, can meet our immediate security needs while we pursue truly groundbreaking technologies that promise clean cars in the future.