CITY LIFE
As the world faces the urgent challenges posed by climate change, the imposition of tariffs on foreign-made automobiles, parts, and oil may yield unexpected environmental benefits. While these tariffs could lead to higher prices for consumers, they may also encourage a significant shift in behavior towards more sustainable transportation options. For instance, I’ve noticed a striking reduction in road traffic in Portland due to rising gasoline prices. The forty-minute drive to Vancouver, Washington, now takes just twenty minutes, reminiscent of the empty highways during the COVID-19 lockdowns. My husband and I were amazed at how quickly the air cleared, showcasing the immediate impact of reduced vehicle emissions.
A crucial component of Portland’s public transportation network is the Metropolitan Area Express (MAX), a light rail system operated by TriMet, which serves the greater metropolitan area. MAX trains were among the first second-generation American light rail systems, emerging from the freeway revolts of the 1970s. Construction began in 1982, and today, MAX operates alongside the Portland Streetcar and the WES Commuter Rail, connecting seamlessly with other transit options such as Amtrak, the airport, and intercity buses.
Despite significant investments in the MAX system, ridership consistently falls short, averaging less than 75 percent of monthly projections. The Eastside Light Rail is often described as an “underused wonder,” with the majority of current MAX riders having previously relied on buses. Unfortunately, the enhanced system has not succeeded in converting car commuters to rail travel.
I wonder if the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, coupled with Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on oil, could shift consumer behavior. As gas prices rise and the cost of new vehicles increases, consumers may become more inclined to explore alternative commuting options.
American-made cars struggle to compete with their foreign counterparts in quality, efficiency, and design. According to Consumer Reports, brands like Subaru, Lexus, and Toyota lead in reliability ratings, while GMC, Cadillac, and Rivian rank at the bottom. Furthermore, the lack of hands-on experience among today’s youth may deter them from pursuing careers in manufacturing. With only about 70,000 undergraduate engineers graduating annually in the U.S., compared to 600,000 in China and 350,000 in India, it’s evident that American manufacturing is at a disadvantage. Notably, China leads in STEM graduates relative to its population.
For American manufacturing to thrive, we need a technologically, mathematically, and scientifically educated workforce. Young workers should not feel embarrassed by manual labor; rather, they must cultivate a strong work ethic and take pride in their contributions. Building facilities to bring manufacturing back home will take time, and when it happens, robotics and automation will likely handle most of the manual labor and data collection.
In the meantime, the planet has a chance to heal. We may witness decreased pollution and improved air quality with reduced reliance on fossil fuels and a greater emphasis on public transportation. The recent move by the Trump administration to revive coal-fired plants is a setback that is unlikely to succeed in the long run.
As consumers adapt to the realities of a warming planet, they may discover powerful allies in their economic needs. When socially conscious leaders listen to public concerns about safety, health, and cleanliness, we may find that today’s financial challenges lead to a greater embrace of public transportation and electric vehicles.
Reference:
Website (2025)Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars? Consumer Reports. Retrieved from https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/
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