On 10/11/06, Alastair McDonald <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> This seems to epitomise just how silly Mr Lipow's arguments
> are. If we are going to reduce emissions by 85%, then we will not be able
> to drive 9 mpg Hummers with or without emission credits!
I see where you are coming from, but on the whole, changing behavior
by fiat rather than incentive is unpopular and largely unworkable.
There are exceptions: we can make CFCs illegal. However, it is
unlikely that we can make CO2 illegal, so the lines you would have to
draw, say between a 9 mpg Hummer and a 9 mpg delivery truck, are too
awkard and people would always find the loopholes and chafe at the
restrictions.
Strong incentives are more promising, in most people's opinion.
There are some big problems there, too, but now we start down a
slippery slope of my discomfort with economic theory, where I need to
tread carefully. So I'll keep my peace for the moment except to say
that, problems and all, I agree that incentives are more workable than
rules.
mt
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