Trying to care 2003-07-15

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July 14, 2003

G. Richard Wagoner, Jr.
President and CEO
General Motors Corporation
300 Renaissance Center
Detroit, MI 48265-3000

Dear Mr. Wagoner,

I have some concerns about General Motor's role in an issue of critical importance to our economic security, as well as to our environment: the urgent need to reduce America's dependence on oil.
Passenger vehicles use 40 percent of all the oil Americans consume, and they're responsible for 20 percent of U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide, which, according to many scientists and supporters of the Kyoto Protocol, contributes to global warming. Plus, we rely on imports to provide more than half of the oil we use. But as the security and environmental costs of fueling our vehicles continue to grow, the average gas mileage of American vehicles has dropped to its lowest level since the 1970s.

Mr. Wagner, I realize that the primary focus of a corporation is to go where the money is, and right now, the money is not in fuel economy and lower emissions. But shouldn't another focus of a company be to create a product of the highest possible quality?
According to the National Academy of Sciences we have the technology -- right now -- to dramatically improve the fuel economy of all kinds of cars and trucks. GM's plan to build hybrid vehicles is certainly a step in the right direction, and the prototype fuel cell vehicle is a great idea for the future.
And yet, it seems as though you pursue these options because you have to, and not because they are good ideas.

Sir, America needs to face today's oil and pollution problems. We have been irresponsible with our technology and apathetic of the consequences.

It's not in my power to change your mind or convince you of anything in this matter, sir. I don't have millions of dollars I can throw at the problem. I don't even own stock in your company. All I can do is tell you how I feel.
And I feel that GM must stop wasting money and time opposing higher fuel efficiency standards. Lead the way instead by accelerating your plans to mass-produce the next generation of advanced technology vehicles and by raising the average fuel economy of the passenger vehicles you produce to 40 mpg within a decade. These goals are simple and highly feasible.

The corporation has an incredible power: to influence the thinking and actions of the rest of America. And as one of the leaders of the Automobile industry, you have the means to cause a revolution in thinking, but to do so, you must first care. That's all I'm asking you to do.

Thank you very much for your time.

Sincerely,

Michael Drace Fountain.