Ethanol, Amtrak and Auto Insurance
New global warming legislation contains subsidies for ethanol production.
Amtrak, which loses money annually, is now embroiled in legal troubles.
State governments take an increasingly aggressive approach to regulating auto insurance.
1. ENVIRONMENT
New global warming legislation contains subsidies for ethanol production.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Senior Counsel Hans Bader on the effects of ethanol subsidies.
“Ethanol subsidies damage the environment by wiping out forests, polluting water supplies, and eroding the soil. By converting food into fuel, they cause famines and food riots in the world’s poorest countries. That fuels Islamic extremism in Afghanistan and the Middle East.”
2. TRANSPORTATION
Amtrak, which loses money annually, is now embroiled in legal troubles.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Vice President Iain Murray on why we should privatize Amtrak.
“In the long run, Congress should end subsidies, privatize and deregulate passenger rail. These actions are the only way to force Amtrak to abandon unnecessary routes that are not commercially viable, improve safety, and manage its resources effectively—and honestly.”
3. CONSUMER
State governments take an increasingly aggressive approach to regulating auto insurance.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Policy Analyst Michelle Minton on why Michigan lawmakers should not try to legislate lower insurance rates.
“With many Michigan cities facing budget crises and residents fleeing the state at a rate of 15,000-20,000 people a year, politicians in the state are frantically drafting proposals to control premium rates. Most of the proposed solutions simply limit how much insurers can charge. That is similar to forcing restaurants to sell all customers that $200 bottle of champagne but only charge $20 for it.”