Bush, the environmental president.

[rah]

Originally posted by gsmoove23
People follow money whether they're big industry or individual consumers. A minority of people will buy the more expensive environmentally correct products but not enough to make a subtantial difference.

The assumption that targetting business and industry doesn't effect the consumer is wrong. Whatever costs are taken on by business will be passed on to the consumer. Its trickle down economics people!

Yes, I'll concede part of that. There is a balance. But I think the tide is starting to turn on the whole concept of hybrid cars. The demand is out there. (in california anyway ) And once there is demand, that will have a bigger impact on business then the government. Because you're right, people will follow the money. Think back when the Japanese almost took over the American car market. It was a combo of fuel efficiency and inexpensive. Then later quality was added on top.
Don't think that that lesson has been totally forgotten. Look how it changed the american car makers.

RAH

[gsmoove23]

Rah, I see your point but I also see demand moving FAR to slowly. A little strong-arming is necessary in this case for both industry and the consumer.

Edit - and your example of japanese cars shows people following money or economic concerns, as opposed to far more esoteric threats like damage to the environment that a good amount of people aren't willing to even accept is happening, including it seems our president. Even with this bill his most important reason for it seems to be limiting asthma attacks. Any mention of global warming?

[Imran Siddiqui]

re: Hybrid Cars. I think they will take off when they are produced in good numbers and there is a hybrid alternative to the big cars. I mean, how many people buy Honda Civics anyway (ok, a lot, but there are plenty of other cars out there). When you have two cars of relative price and looks, and one can save you a ****load of money on fuel, I'm sure the hybrid will win out.

It's just going to be a gradual process, but I'm sure just about every car will be hybrid by 2015.

[gsmoove23]

Holy cow, I just double checked and there is absolutely no mention of global warming. Its handled completely as a public health issue. Mention of asthma and carcinogens but nothing else. Does anyone know if the bill will actually reduce any global warming elements in emissions?

"This action represents a strong commitment from the Bush administration to take the next step to achieve cleaner air and protect the health of all Americans, especially the health of children and the elderly who are more susceptible to diesel pollution," Whitman said.

[Imran Siddiqui]

It probably will, but diesal is more known for cause respitory problems. It is actually BETTER in terms of global warming than regular petrolium. So the global warming effects probably won't be that great, compared to the effects it will have on reducing respitory problems and cancer.

[gsmoove23]

I'm just wondering if the lack of mention has to do with Bush not wanting to publicly admit that global warming is actually happening.

[Imran Siddiqui]

He's already spoken about global warming, so I doubt the veracity of that conspiracy theory .

[gsmoove23]

Life is far too uninteresting without conspiracy theories, I'll have to look into this...

[Imran Siddiqui]

The main reason is probably because no one (except environmental groups) care about global warming (at least THAT much). For such a DRASTIC reduction, there had to be more compelling reasons. Cancer and Asthma were right there .