Can We Use Diesel?

I am a big believer in discussion forums and reader reviews. I'm looking for a new car, and one of the comment groups included a contributor from Europe. He wrote that he really liked the model of car we were looking at, but added, "Here in Italy, our car is diesel and gets 42 miles to the gallon. You Americans need to demand cars with better MPG."

How can we do that? I see that we can get diesel fuel at as many as half of the gas stations we visit. The car manufacturers are giving us more hybrids, electric and small cars, but why have we not seen more diesel engines? I know we have challenges up here at altitude, but I have neighbors with diesel pickups. Why can't I get it for my little SUV? Who can I call? I can't even make a purchase to cast my 'economic vote,' or even encourage you to do it on my Green List.

Hey...can anyone hear me? Can we get a little diesel over here?