CEI Daily Update
Issues in the News
1. Environment
Al Gore’s “Live Earth” concert series will host a previously cancelled performance this weekend in Washington, D.C.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Center for Entrepreneurship Director John Berlau on why Live Earth is a sign that global warming alarmism has jumped the shark:
This weekend, rock stars will jet around the world, cars and buses will clog traffic, and elaborate sound stages will be set up to burn massive amounts of fuel to send the message to fans at home that they better conserve their energy or face the allegedly dire threat of global warming.
2. Safety
This week marks the 30th anniversary of air bag requirements for new cars.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: General Counsel Sam Kazman on the unintended consequences of other auto regulations:
The lethal effects of existing fuel economy standards have been amply documented by the National Academy of Sciences and other authorities. But as the history of the air bag mandate demonstrates, dismissing CAFE-safety concerns as an ‘industry argument’ can be one very deadly mistake.
3. Economy
Americans are working longer than ever to pay for the cost of government programs.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Vice President for Policy Wayne Crews on the mostly hidden costs of federal regulation:
President George W. Bush’s federal budget for fiscal year (FY) 2008 proposed $2.902 trillion in discretionary, entitlement and interest spending. Although those costs fully express the federal government’s on-budget scope, the government’s reach extends far beyond the taxes that Washington collects. Federal environmental, safety and health, and economic regulations cost hundreds of billions of dollars every year—in addition to official federal outlays.
Blog feature: For more news and analysis, updated throughout the day, visit CEI’s blog, Open Market.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
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