新的里程标准恐危及个人自由

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This is Scientific American's 60-Second Science. I'm Steve Mirsky, got a minute?

On May 19th, President Obama announced a new federal gas mileage standard. He wants the country's entire car and light truck fleet to average 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016. Some reaction was swift and to the point. Here's forlorn Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn:
"What if you want to drive a gas hog? You don't have the right any longer in this country to spend your money to drive a gas hog?"

Fret not, Senator, because with the proper care, upkeep and driving behavior, it's possible to squeeze many fewer miles out of a given gallon of gas than whatever standard the Feds might impose on us. Here are some tips for turning even the most fuel-efficient vehicle into a gas-guzzling petroleum pig. Keep your tires under inflated, always do jackrabbit starts, never get a tune-up, avoid driving at a steady speed on highways, add whatever doodads you can to the surface to increase wind resistance. And when all else fails, put her up on blocks and just keep spinning your wheels.

Thanks for the minute for Scientific American 60-second Science. I'm Steve Mirsky.

Notes：

forlorn:pitiable in circumstances especially through abandonment; marked by or showing hopelessness 孤立无助的，凄凉，被遗弃的

gas hog:很费油的车

Fret not：Don' worry!

upkeep：activity involved in maintaining something in good working order保养，维持

tune-up:adjustments made to an engine to improve its performance 调整

gas-guzzling：<美>非常耗油的

jackrabbit：large hare of western North America 大野兔

doodad：便宜货，小摆设