The American Lifestyle IS what is at issue. We not only have to radically change the auto fleet to one that is more fuel efficient, we need to drastically reduce the daily dependence on the automobile.

We need to set a goal of say, reducing VMT by 80% by 2050. To do this we will need to rebuild our neighborhoods to be walkable. We could use increased gas taxes, as proposed by President Rapier, to do this.

Of course, the automobile industry will be drastically reduced. They will argue that what is good for Toyota is good for the country. They will be wrong. Economic disruption could be offset by a massive reallocation/restructuring/rebuilding program in which relocalization and walkable neighborhoods (i.e. all necessities are available within walking distance for all, and a massive increase in telecommuting) are the main objective.