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Obama meant it about C02
And now, more damage for U.S. auto makers' bottom lines. Bloomberg is reporting President-elect Obama is expected to grant California a waiver allowing regulations on greenhouse gas emissions tougher than those currently set in the U.S. This increases pressure on the auto industry to develop efficient vehicles, which will cost billions and restrict sales of currently-existing car models no longer compliant with new standards.
California wants to cut carbon exhaust and other gases that induce global warming 30 percent by 2016. More on the state's efficiency initiatives in the LA Times.
From the LA Times link
"Despite a difficult economy, it is important that we move forward," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said, adding that the plan would result in "tens of thousands more jobs and a boost to California's gross domestic production."
Governor Schwarzenegger is calling for legislation which "would result in "billions of dollars of increased energy costs." The group asserted that the plan would raise electricity rates by 11%, natural gas rates by 8% and gasoline costs by $11 billion a year."
Governor Schwarzenegger and through his endorsement, President elect Obama, are asking for astonishingly painful environmentally driven economic changes during a global recession. GHG emissions, though laudable, do not seem to be a politically credible motive.
Given the financial ramifications of throttling the Californian economy for GHG reduction purposes alternative decision making terms like population build out, resource depletion, and available access to water and food come to mind.
What comes to yours?
