North Carolina has decided that emissions tests ought to be reserved for older cars, either those more than three models years back or with more than 70,000 miles. This sounds logical, but makes me a tad uncomfortable regardless. Mostly because of who is going to be driving the old cars, and who can afford new ones. The tests may have been unnecessary, but there was at least an egalitarianism.
Of course, emissions standards are more generally going to fall on those that can’t afford the latest and greatest anyway. The same applies to safety standards. Even if the folks with new cars had been required to get their car tested, they’d have failed at much lower rates than those prayin’ to the heavens that Old Bessy makes it through another year. If anything, this change merely codifies that distinction, and further recognizes the reality of the situation.
About the Author
4 Responses to Emissions Tests For Thee
Leave a Reply to Kirk Cancel reply
please enter your email address on this page.
This sounds logical, but makes me a tad uncomfortable regardless.
When did this turn into the Mother Jones blog?
I’ve been on a social egalitarianism kick lately. Not sure why.
“Cash for Clunkers” was the same way. Ditto the tax write-off for houses. And is it just me, or are speed limits lower in high-income areas? By the golf course I drive by the limit is 35, but when you get to MLK boulevard the limit increases to 40.
Guess which area has the kids playing near the curb?
Yeah, C4C was a great way to help out people who could already afford a new car, or were in the ballpark, at the expense (albeit a minimal one) of those who would have purchased the clunkers.