Comments on: Meet America’s New Car Czar

By: sinz54

sinz54 — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:07:00 +0000

Ms. Bagley is incorrect when she claims that cars can’t be designed somewhat differently for California than for the rest of the nation. It’s been done before: In the 1950s, the PCV valve was introduced on cars sold in California, before it was introduced on cars sold elsewhere. In 1966, California passed the first auto emissions legislation, again before Washington made that mandatory for the entire nation. Today, if there is some relatively straightforward fix (analogous to the PCV valve) that could reduce carbon emissions, it’s certainly possible that it could be introduced into the exhaust system of cars sold in California but not yet elsewhere.

By: nealjking

nealjking — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:03:19 +0000

The history of the auto industry is paved with statements about what would bankrupt the business: reduced pollution emissions, improved mileage standards, seat belts.

When allowed to do whatever they wanted to do, the Big 3 drove themselves into a ditch: the endpoint of the big-car/low-mileage/hummer mentality.

Think a little bit further into the future: A future in which US car manufacturers make cars that people actually want to buy.

By: gospelance

gospelance — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:55:12 +0000

well, since my state is part of the Global Warming initiative or whatever they call it, I worry that my now-compliant vehicles won’t get thru new smog regs. As a one-income family, I just can’t afford it. I’m all for clean air, but can’t afford a new car or expensive emissions upgrades.

By: JoetheVeep

JoetheVeep — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:12:01 +0000

Howdy Onewhatevah. No trolling here. Big tent and all. But I think it absurd for us to lament the bankruptcy of the Big 3 while demanding unfunded mandates for them to retool their production lines. And then impose those mandates on the nation without a national consensus. Rules have costs, and California doesn’t seem to care about the costs. Odd, considering that they themsleves are bankrupt.

By: Oneon1isto

Oneon1isto — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 03:44:08 +0000

At this point I’m trolling this blog post, but come on. They’re not oppressive new regulations! They’re not even progressive! We can’t even fully agree on the need for higher fuel economy standards? You’d think we were under Soviet Russia from the rhetoric bandied about at times round here. They’re rules for cleaner, more fuel efficient cars and you’re complaining!

By: gospelance

gospelance — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 02:55:23 +0000

now is not the time for oppressive new regulations. thank you Governor Shriver. I’m sure glad I’m not down there waiting for my tax refund.

By: JoetheVeep

JoetheVeep — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:30:24 +0000

It’s bad enough Calfornia’s bankrupt (didn’t Gray Davis get recalled for that?). Sad, but they brought it on themselves. Now they have to export their dysfunction nationwide? At a time when the Big Three are going bankrupt? In addition to being a shabby trick by Obama to avoid responsibility while paying off a constituency, nobody will ever again listen to Schwarzenegger railing against economic girly men.

By: larryo

larryo — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:23:51 +0000

The “most powerful person” in the industry? Don’t you think that’s a little extravagant? As for unaccountability, it’s not as if she is Henry Paulson, is it?

By: Oneon1isto

Oneon1isto — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:20:44 +0000

Mmm yes, the Obots will get you. Nice one. Look into the regulations, they’re pretty long term and not all that excessive, when you consider the tech has been there for awhile to make cars greener. The market’s already moving in that direction, and if the standards do anything they’ll nudge along what’s already happening naturally. Even if the standards were a little higher, I’d argue that if we’re going to be bailing out the automobile industry (and we have) we should be extracting and following up on these kinds of demands anyway. Additionally, these statutes do nothing to harm entrepreneurs or unionized working guys.

By: P. Aaron

P. Aaron — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:58:07 +0000

This will result in more pollution, not less. The enviro-wack’s short-sighted desire to regulate everything automotive will result in an increasing value in used cars that of course are regulated by yesterday’s pollution regulations.

I am laughing at the idiocy of the O-bot legion. But I am saddened for the working guy and the entrepreuner who has to suffer this administration of fools.
Goin’ broke goin’ green!