Test Drive for the End of Oil: Goodbye Environmental Standards
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03. 4.07
As the fuel supply crisis in Ontario continues, truckers are facing a shortage of diesel fuel. The Ontario Minister of Energy has asked the Federal Minister of the Environment to allow the use of "off-road" high sulphur content fuel that was banned in Canada last year. Member of Parliament Dan McTeague calls it a temporary measure "in order to respond to a unique crisis". We recall that they said that about income taxes in World War 1. Polluting high sulphur diesel is also easier and cheaper to produce: "The Nanticoke refinery, even at low capacity, can produce this grade of diesel fuel much quicker than regular truck diesel."
You get more fuel from a barrel of oil if you do not worry about pollutants, so watch for more moves to reduce environmental standards as the stuff starts running out. ::Ontario Truckers Association
"Ottawa won't let truckers use off-road diesel"
http://www.thestar.com/News/article/187783
Ugh, I was afraid stuff like this would happen. When the crunch hits for a longer time period (years), there'll be more people promoting coal into gasoline.
Slightly off topic: While I lean libertarian, I was slightly put off by the national Libertarian party because of what they said about high gas prices, "We should get rid of taxes on fuel." I guess saying "that's the free market, stupid" wouldn't get many votes :). However, I don't think gas taxes should be lowered until car owners pay their fare share for roads and the price of pollution is internalized.
"the price of pollution is internalized."
How would a libertarian achieve this?