The fuel-efficiency debate is getting a little personal in Congress.

A congressman from Missouri who travels in a van fueled by cooking grease wants to require that his colleagues who lease vehicles at taxpayer expense downsize into “low greenhouse-gas emitting vehicles.” He actually got the language into a major House energy bill, although it’s facing resistance from colleagues, including ones who get around their districts in SUVs or luxury cars.

The Kansas City Star found last year that 136 of the 435 House members, including members of both parties, were leasing cars at taxpayer expense. Here is a story the newspaper published this week about the fuel efficiency debate.

Now, it’s generally a good idea to focus on one’s own carbon footprint before pointing the green finger at someone else. But, these are vehicles we taxpayers are paying for and these are elected officials who are debating legislation to get us out of our gas guzzlers.

Seems like a good time to poll our Congressional delegation, yes? We’ll find out whether or not any member has a taxpayer-financed vehicle, and, if any do, what kind of vehicle it is. And, while we’re at it, we’ll find out what other vehicles they use. I'll post the answers as soon as I get 'em.

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