Energy Conservation, or lack of it

It seems like the United States is trying to find ways around its own laws, rather than finding alternative routes to make more energy-efficient cars. According to Tom Friedman in his book Hot, Flat, and Crowded, the introduction of sport-utility vehicles, or SUV's are just a small example of this. In 1979 when these were introduced, they were successfully lobbied as 'light trucks', so that they would not have to meet the 27.5 miles per gallon gas standard that was set for cars in teh 1975 Energy Policy and Conservation Act. I think this is an example of how the United States is shying away from its responsibility of being a leader in the world's energy conservation.