Oh don't get me wrong, I'm all for a cleaner environment, but if that means that I have to spend 50'000 on a car, then something else takes priority: my ability to live!
It wouldn't be in a government's interest to allocate those resources to this, but it is possible. The US could completely drop its military and space program, to do what's right for the environment.
But we don't live in an age where dropping the military is even a serious consideration. A few countries have done it, but those were particular cases.
As for the space program, NASA has been under review for many, many years, and has been pushed to cut costs. The advancement of science is a considerable priority, and the technology developped ends up serving the industry, and the economy.
Certainly, the space shuttle orbiter design will be reviewed: it's now due for an update. This whole issue with the carbon-carbon leading edge parts, I mean, it's so fragile that if you kick it hard enough, the shuttle is unable to land! We're a long way from Star Trek...
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