Cap and Trade Gets Militant, Google Book Search Queries and the Chevy Volt’s 230 MPG
Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) tries to sell cap and trade legislation to his colleagues on national security grounds.
Legal scholars question the implications of the Google Book Search settlement.
General Motors claims that the new Chevy Volt can achieve 230 miles per gallon in city driving, sparking debate over fuel efficiency in conventional vehicles.
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1. CONGRESS
Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) tries to sell cap and trade legislation to his colleagues on national security grounds.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Senior Fellow Iain Murray on why global warming policies are the real security threat:
“If global warming can destabilize the globe, so can global-warming policies. That is one reason the world has not reached an international agreement on reducing emissions that binds everyone to reductions, and why we never shall with current technology. Sen. Kerry says that he wants a world free from the dangers of global warming. But the cap-and-tax bill he is promoting is more likely to give us a world with the dangers of global warming and the dangers of protectionist nationalism. That is a bad deal for the security of America — and the world.”
2. TECHNOLOGY
Legal scholars question the implications of the Google Book Search settlement.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Policy Fellow Jonathan Hillel on why antitrust concerns over Book Search are misplaced:
“The court must consider whether the rights of orphan work authors will be fairly represented under the settlement. Consumer benefit, not pressure from the Justice Department, should guide the court’s decision. Google is creating a market for orphan works and is making them available for widespread access. Antitrust interference will only distort market incentives and hinder the growth of this nascent sector.”
3. ENVIRONMENT
General Motors claims that the new Chevy Volt can achieve 230 miles per gallon in city driving, sparking debate over fuel efficiency in conventional vehicles.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: General Counsel Sam Kazman and Senior Fellow Marlo Lewis on the disadvantages of trying to mandate greater fuel economy:
“Kazman: Now there are lots of problems with fuel economy mandates. One thing, they raise new car prices. Secondly, they restrict consumer choice. But the worst thing is an effect you never hear their advocates talking about. Namely, fuel economy mandates kill people. Lewis: Here’s why. Heavier cars provide more mass to absorb collision forces, and bigger cars provide more space between the occupant and the point of impact. Make a car smaller and lighter, and it will go farther on a gallon of gas.”
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