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November 6, 2009
California's CARB to Take Lead in Ruining Auto Industry
Posted by The MaryHunter at November 6, 2009 6:11 AM
Fruits and nuts are not all that infest the political nightmare that is California. The California Air Resources Board (CARB), infused with eco-greenbats, is threatening to impose strict regulations that could irrevocably damage the auto industry nationwide. The loopy rule would require cars and light trucks sold after 2012 "to feature metallic reflective window glazing to keep interiors cool and thus use less air conditioning." It is an attempt to make greener cars by reducing auto air conditioning use - and ruining GPS, cell phones and other wireless safety features in the process.
Toyota tried this approach back in 1989-94, and it was a disaster. The problem is that the new windows would reflect radio waves, thus highly compromising the use of GPS units, garage-door openers, laptop computers, satellite radio systems, parolee ankle bracelets, wireless medical equipment and cell phones. CARB admits the mandate would interfere with radio signals but is poised to promulgate the new rule later this month anyway. A 15-day public comment period would follow, during which alert consumers could overwhelm the bureaucrats with objections.
The new windows would add about $250 to the cost of each vehicle. Cars with sunroofs, and perhaps convertibles, probably would not comply and thus could effectively be outlawed. Drivers trapped in their cars after accidents couldn't call 911.
Forget about the safety issue, there's that guy thing about getting directions to consider:
The proposed regulation even could be counterproductive. Destroying GPS capability could lead to increased emissions that more than counteract the reduced use of air conditioning. An industry study this year showed that drivers using GPS reduce carbon emissions by 24 percent by virtue of taking shorter routes and not getting lost. That's 10 times the expected benefit from the CARB proposal.
California is a huge auto market. If it forces automakers to comply with a mirrored glass mandate, the industry may be forced to change auto standards nationwide.
All this, when the American auto industry is already backed into a corner. But when your aim is to tear down a way of life -- the American automobile -- for what is perceived as "the greener good", these collateral effects would naturally drive more Americans into inconvenient, smelly, unreliable public transportation. Just another freedom -- freedom to purchase, own and operate a car safely -- that the AlGore Green Conspiracy is eager to extract from us.
Thank you, California.
Comments
A few years from now on, history will look on this and judge these lawmakers harshly. They do all they can to destroy a way of life and will be remembered exactly for that. Forget the eco garbage, in ten years it will be a new fad.
Posted by: Jay B at November 6, 2009 7:14 AM
Also, consider that law enforcement does not like tinted or mirror window treatments on cars.
Felony stops are hard enough already without the officer/deputy having a hard time seeing who, how many, or if anyone is armed in the vehicle.
Too bad the Police Unions polute the profession, or this would not be voted in by law enforcement.
Posted by: Oiao at November 6, 2009 7:32 AM
This, from the same agency that ruled gas-powered margarita mixers an offense to the polar bears. Are we really surprised?
Posted by: Anonymous Countermoonbat at November 6, 2009 8:33 AM
If there were agencies that needed to be abolished one would be CARB next would be the coastal commision then KALIFORNIAS worthless terminator
Posted by: SPURWING PLOVER at November 6, 2009 8:47 AM
The auto industry should simply quit selling cars in CA. Then Californians would have to go out of state to buy a car, pay sales taxes to another state. After all how often do you buy a car? Is it that much of an inconvenience to go to Ore or NV or Az for that purchase?
Idiot politicians/bureaucrats!
Posted by: Bob at November 6, 2009 9:08 AM
Still waiting for the BIG earthquake.
Posted by: man of few words at November 6, 2009 11:45 AM
I've mused for the last few years how I would like to construct a heat ray once I had a back yard to put it in. Each day, Kalifornia does its damnedest to convince me that an earthquake machine would be more worthwhile endeavor.
Posted by: Anonymous at November 6, 2009 4:17 PM
Why is it whenever moonbat idiocy is in the offering, my own state of California always seems to be in the forefront? Are we even crazier than Massachusetts or New York?
Posted by: Cylar at November 7, 2009 2:06 AM
Then Californians would have to go out of state to buy a car, pay sales taxes to another state. After all how often do you buy a car? Is it that much of an inconvenience to go to Ore or NV or Az for that purchase?
...except that the State of California charges sales tax at time of registration, on cars which were purchased in other states. If only it were that simple, because the tax can add thousands of dollars to the price.
Posted by: Cylar at November 7, 2009 2:09 AM
Dear California please stop. You are crazier than Massachusetts and NY and you give my state of Maine really bad ideas all the time. Of course Maine just wants to be California with seasons and better seafood.
Aren't we all glad Orin Hatch wasn't able to get his constitutional convention convened to change the requirements so Arnie could be President?
Posted by: Flyfish at November 7, 2009 10:36 AM
Then Californians would have to go out of state to buy a car, pay sales taxes to another state. After all how often do you buy a car? Is it that much of an inconvenience to go to Ore or NV or Az for that purchase?
...except that the State of California charges sales tax at time of registration, on cars which were purchased in other states. If only it were that simple, because the tax can add thousands of dollars to the price.
Kal taxes residents for new vehicles only if they come into the state within 90 days of purchase in another state. Many Kalifornians find ways to put new vehicles in storage before bringing them home.
Posted by: blackmarlin at November 9, 2009 10:39 AM
