The environment is much in the news these days. How do we protect it, how do we halt global warming, how to we make sure that we have clean air and clean water. I think that these are the questions that are going to control and direct the Canadian political scene.... at least until there is a recession. What is troubling about the current political climate is a pervasive belief that the only worthwhile solution to environmental problems is government largesse. This big government approach to environmentalism is accepted essentially without question across the Canadian political spectrum. This is wrong.
Or let me put it another way there is nothing wrong with the NDP and the Liberals proposing huge government spending projects to solve environmental problems. The idea that government is the best venue for solving societies ills is the core ideology of these two parties. Unfortunately this tendency to assume that government can solve the problems of the country has spread to the Conservative party or rather migrated with Joe Clark and Peter McKay from the Progressive Conservative Party to the current Conservative Party.
This is my basic problem with the current Conservative Party they absolutely refuse to actually act like conservatives. Rather than handing out government money to technologies of dubious merit (see my last post) why not let the market decide what new green technology should fuel tommorows automobiles.
Why not place emmissions standards on automobile companies similar to the emmissions standards under the US clean air act, covering all of the models imported into Canada in a fiscal year. The allowable emmissions would shrink every year but the emmissions amounts allowed could be transfered from one model to another. This would allow auto companies to sell there SUV's but would force them if they wanted to continue to sell SUV's to find ways to lower emmissions in the SUV's drastically or find a way to make marketable vehicles with zero or minimal emmissions. This type of program places all of the cost where it should be, on the shoulders of those who wish to sell vehicles that pollute the environment. Conversely it provides benefits to everyone in society through better air quality and better access to vehicles that are cheap on gas. Please explain to me why this would not work? Please explain to me why I sitting at my computer before I start my workday can come up with market based solutions to environmental issues but the ENTIRE CONSERVATIVE PARTY BRAINTRUST cannot think of one worthwhile program that would use market forces to protect the environment. Or maybe its just me.
2 comments:
I think one of the most responsible thing, enviroment wise, the states does is the mandatory emissions test on vehicals every year. Sure, it's a hassle to get in there and have it done, but it does make a responsible citizen feel like they are contributing a little bit by driving a clean car.
I am also in the belief that recycling shouldn't be optional, but mandatory. With all the things they have discovered you can reuse materials for ... why would you go any other way. Think of your children, people.
I miss your blabbing Michael, bring it back!
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