Science Forums 2

[Theory5]

Why don't our politicians look at the emissions created in the mining, smelting and
production processes that mineral ores and coal etc are used in and apportion
their emissions penalties proportionally.

Surely they realise that most of the emissions are released when you burn the coal to
process the ore and/or manufacture goods? Any imports of goods made from the mineral
production process should pay the appropriate proportion of the emissions penalties due if they have not already been paid.

Why not foster a global system where the user really pays for their emissions generated,
no more no less, a system that would allow local smelting, processing and manufacturing
industries to be able to compete on par with similar operations in any country in the
world because they are all penalised equally.

This isn't protectionism, it's environmental protectionism.

The Short Answer: because this is America.

The Long Answer: Because certain companies spare thousands, maybe even millions, to pay off politicians. And the companies would need to monitor their emissions, causing them to spare a couple hundred extra each year.....
Imported goods are supposed to cost more, because of tariffs (I have no idea how that system works anymore, I mean, just look at walmart.) too keep american companies in business.....
Just look at the auto industry emissions stuff. HOW long did it take them to up the mileage to 35 and increase emission standards? I mean, they could have made 60-70 mpg cars with fewer emissions in less than 5 years but, wait! that costs money to deviate from the cars made today. That would be BAD. In fact, in the 70's a car maker made a hundred mpg car, but they scraped it because it "wouldn't sell".

Thank goodness for capitolism :-/