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How one quick trick in 2012 changed the way America drives—and undermined its climate rules
This brings to mind an important concept about unintended consequences (aka collateral damage).
That is: One needs to consider: What incentives is one creating with any proposed rule/regulation?
High mindedness and good intentions are not enough - specially when one cannot predict the actual outcomes.
It's better to go slow and - where possible - pilot the project before going to full-blown scale.
OOOPs !!!
John Skoda
Click here for the article in The New Republic
Excerpts:
"American autos aren’t bigger because consumers have suddenly embraced off-roading, the construction trades, or home improvement projects. They’re bigger because automakers want to escape regulations. Each manufacturer is required to comply with boutique greenhouse gas emissions standards, which are calculated based on the size and capabilities of the cars in their fleets. Smaller cars are held to different standards than larger cars."
"“Sedans have largely been replaced with taller vehicles such as truck-like sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and crossover utility vehicles (CUVs),” the agency writes. Pickup trucks’ share of new cars sales jumped from 10 to 16 percent over the same period. During that time, the overall average footprint of new cars grew by more than 5 percent."
John Skoda
Click here for the article in The New Republic
Excerpts:
"American autos aren’t bigger because consumers have suddenly embraced off-roading, the construction trades, or home improvement projects. They’re bigger because automakers want to escape regulations. Each manufacturer is required to comply with boutique greenhouse gas emissions standards, which are calculated based on the size and capabilities of the cars in their fleets. Smaller cars are held to different standards than larger cars."
"“Sedans have largely been replaced with taller vehicles such as truck-like sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and crossover utility vehicles (CUVs),” the agency writes. Pickup trucks’ share of new cars sales jumped from 10 to 16 percent over the same period. During that time, the overall average footprint of new cars grew by more than 5 percent."
So, I am wondering, what will the EPA/USA do to rectify this devastating anomaly ?
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, we have been affected by a similar - but different - set of rules. Ten years ago, I was running a diesel 1.4 litre (VW Polo sedan) which had carbon emissions rated at less than a specific amount, which meant that we didn't have to pay road tax. The car would consume 1 gallon of fuel for every 50 miles travelled.
When we replaced that vehicle, we decided to go for a 1.0 litre petrol version of the VW Polo, assuming that a smaller, more efficient engine would benefit the planet more. It appears not to be the case. Typically, this new, improved version of the Polo only runs 35 to 40 miles per gallon of fuel consumed, and the calculated carbon emissions are greater than for the diesel version. True, the gases generated by the diesel Polo are different from those generated by the petrol version, BUT. . . . .this is a set of unintended consequences, isn't it ?
One could be forgiven for wondering who makes policy in such matters, and how they are advised.
Dear Ken at al:
DeleteYour use of fuel-efficient cars is admirable to say the least.
As I have said before, you are a better man than I am Gunga Din!!!
We now drive a gas-guzzling sedan - an old Mercedes Benz with a 3.5 liter gas engine.
Of course there is a story behind this, as follows: We had 2.5 liter VW Jetta which our daughter Sophia liked and nationalized.
As a replacement, she got us the big Benz because it was affordable, in good shape and with low mileage.
She reckons we can better survive a crash in the Benz than in a fuel-efficient tuk tuk.
Back to the EPA and rectification, of course one rarely predict all the consequences; therefore, course corrections should be allowed.
In fact the evaluations and means to carry out such corrections should be built into the program from the very start.
The same applies to PPP (Public, Private, Partnerships) where both parties cannot predict how it will turn out.
In UNICEF India there was a memorable mantra: Advocate - Demonstrate - Replicate.
I always want to add two more points:
First, Do the research and get reliable data to ensure that you are advocating the the right actions; and,
Last, Evaluate and make corrections/improvements as practice indicates the need for changes.
Cheers,
John