Whatever happened to the "land of the free"?
UK is pretty bound up with legislation these days, but it is alarming to
hear Americans on our TV political current affairs programs say how
refreshing and open the UK is compared to the limitations and restrictions
"back home".
I just find it sad.
Guy
UK
----- Original Message -----
From "Glen Byrns" <grbyrns at ucdavis.edu>
To: <spridgets@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, April 30, 2004 8:48 PM
Subject: CA smog testing
> Spridget lister Craig wrote:
>
> " New to the list here, just been flying under the radar for the last
couple
> of weeks. For those in California, I found a piece of news to be concerned
> over, and others as well, because so many things perpetuate from
California.
> Legislation to repeal old car emissions exemption has been reintroduced in
> the California State Assembly. A.B.2683 repeals the current exemption for
> vehicles 30 yrs old and older from emissions testing and puts into place a
> requirement for all vehicles that are pre '76 to have emissions testing.
> This legislation was introduced by California State Assemblywoman Sally
> Lieber (D-District 22). Assemblywoman Lieber can be contacted through
email
> at Assemblywoman.Lieber@assemby.ca.gov "
>
>
> I wrote a letter to Assemblywoman Lieber which I include below for you to
> copy if you like. But do remember to use the following address as the one
> above won't work unless you add the 'L' to assembly.
> Assemblywoman.Lieber@assembly.ca.gov
>
> Dear Assemblywoman Lieber,
>
> It is my understanding that you have submitted legislation to require
> emissions testing of vehicles older that 30 years. This proposal cannot
be
> founded on any sort of statistical reality. The number of vehicles more
> than 30 years old on the roads of California is very small. They are
> virtually all collector cars used primarily for shows or limited local
> driving. Their contribution to California's smog problem is practically
> nil.
>
> I'm disheartened to see such ill-considered legislation proposed instead
of
> legislation that would make a significant difference in air quality. A
> legislative amendment that offered tax incentive or reduced license fees
for
> low emission vehicles would have a chance of making a real contribution to
> improving air quality.
> If you want to make a real difference in air quality, consider basing the
> California vehicle license fee on the EPA published mileage rating for
each
> vehicle. A Hummer, for a politically charged example, would then bear the
> appropriate cost for its contribution to the state's air quality problems.
>
> I think that what bothers me the most is the lack of research and thought
> that is suggested by legislation such as this. We really do expect better
> from our elected representatives. Do your homework, study the numbers,
and
> then tell me this proposed legislation will make the slightest difference.
>
> Sincerely
> Glen Byrns
>
> While I don't really expect this letter to get to you, I'm just hoping
that
> sending it won't trigger the mailing of some generic boilerplate about
> "appreciating your concern" and thanking me for my support.
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