Talk about a carbon footprint! Maybe all this talk directed at Palin should be taking a closer look at McCain’s personal habits. Did I also mention that he owns at least seven houses? And that these cars don’t include the Lexus registered under a beer distribution company?

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General Motors is one of the few American automakers to see the writing on the wall and has quickly begun adding shades of green to its future vehicles and manufacturing processes. Today's announcement, that the automaker will reduce carbon emissions by 40% (below year 2000 levels) by 2010, is another step in the right direction.

GM plans on making these cuts by harnessing energy from landfill gases, as well as utilizing solar power at various manufacturing facilities. Production efficiency (and let's hope recycling) are also being implemented for further gains.

This isn't the first time GM has pledged to reduce emissions. Back in 2002, a tiny 10% was promised after the automaker helped found the EPA's Climate Leaders Program. The program is designed to help major corporations find ways to cut their emissions. I imagine, however, that even those involved with the program have only recently taken use of its advice.

It's an interesting road that lies ahead of us. On one hand, it seems to me that the industry is testing the waters with new technologies and green publicity to gauge public reaction. On another, there appears to be a genuine push to take auto manufacturing in a new direction that can benefit from the increased efficiency and reduced costs associated with 'going green'. My only hope is that business follows the science and not the fads we're likely to see with consumer interest in "all things green". If we can standardize green auto additions and not hype the hell out of them, people won't think twice about how unusual a hybrid is or the oddity of an all-electric vehicle. They'll just get in and go. GM just hopes it's a Volt, and not a Prius, that they're driving.