U.S. Presidential hopeful John McCain says he opposes the notion that individual states should be able to set their own carbon dioxide emissions regulations. Still, it sounds as if automakers could be in for a shocker if the Republican were to be elected, as he says, "My goal would be to see a federal standard that every state could embrace. I think we can achieve a status where that would go away." So, it sounds as if the target for CO₂ emissions could be set even lower than currently planned. McCain likely mimics the thoughts of the Detroit 3 as he says, "It's going to be hard, it's going to be long and it's going to be tough."

McCain appears to see the future of the American auto market as one made up of small, fuel efficient cars. His latest stop was at GM's Lordstown, Ohio assembly plant where the Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 are built, a plant McCain sees as key to GM's successes. Still, the major players in the industry will be on their own, as McCain has no intention to offer any sort of bailout to any of the Detroit 3.

[Source: The Detroit News]

The two major U.S. presidential candidates, Barrack Obama and John McCain, have both expressed an interest in investing Federal money into green automotive technology. Although both men have differing ideas about what may be the best way to move forward, it's becoming clear that green automotive technology will be a point for debate as the election nears. This week, Obama visited with leading members of the Detroit automotive scene, including Rick Wagoner from General Motors and Alan Mulally from Ford, both of whom seemed pleased with how the dialogue went. When asked by Obama what he, as President, could do to help the ailing auto industry in the U.S., Wagoner responded by suggesting that the government contribute funds into the research and development of emerging technologies, such as automotive batteries. Maybe more than $30m, perhaps?

Assuming that the cost for new eco-friendly technology will be passed on to the consumer, Wagoner also suggested that the government make it easier to get into a new green car, which has been done to good effect with hybrid vehicles already. Obama, for his part, said he saw "surprising consensus" among the automotive industry representatives, so we'd imagine similar suggestions were heard all around.

Update: Fixed Rick Wagoner's name, thanks!

[Sources: The Detroit News, Automotive News - sub. req'd]