Green Membership Has its Privileges in Ontario
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 08.13.07
Ontario Minister of the Environment Laurel Broten says "do as I say, not as I do" and is introducing green licence plates for for low emission and alternative fuel vehicles. Perks include access to the high-occupancy lanes, free parking and lower registration fees.
"Now we're saying we're going to also put some more factors on that table to help you make a decision that's good for your family and good for the environment," she told a news conference. NDP environment critic Peter Tabuns sniffed "small potatoes given the scope of the problem before us."
Just don't drive to Ohio or Wisconsin, where legislators are proposing green licence plates for sex offenders and pedophiles. "Can you imagine, you're a granola cruncher, you've got a green plate, and you wonder why everyone hates you in Ohio?" said Opposition member Tim Hudak. ::the Star
Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:
- 3 Green Pre-Conditions for a Big Three Bailout
- Pickup Pal Banned In Ontario
- Tom Friedman Can't Make Up His Mind
- Make Cars Green: Too Little Too Late?
Dumb Question Dept : "Why is New Housing so Big and Lousy?"
|
Young Pirates Get Unique View of Ecology Aboard a Tall Ship
|
Denver's plate is green, too, so I think anyone who can see the state's name on the plate should not be worried about the sex offender thing. I'd like a ULEV license plate for New Jersey. Every state should have this!
This goes against the main reasons for high-occupancy lanes, to promote carpooling and ease congestion. Emission reduction was no doubt a nice side-effect for the planners behind the project. Clogging up the HOV lanes with single-occupant priuses will likely have a negative effect on the system as a whole.
The Seatle area has had those comuter lanes for years. hardly anyone uses them. Traffic is still awful there. Puting green cars there will help little.