Saturday, February 7, 2009

Everything will be regulated. Remember it's for your own good

First They Came For The Dubs
By Edward Niedermeyer February 6, 2009

According to SEMA, legislation has been introduced in the Oregon House of Representatives at the request of Governor Ted Kulongoski to ban aftermarket parts if alternatives are available that “decrease greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles.” In reality, Oregon H.B. 2186 (pdf) merely states that the “Environmental Quality Commission may adopt by rule the following to help this state achieve the greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.” The specific option that SEMA is steamed about states that “Restrictions and prohibitions on the sale and distribution of after-market motor vehicle parts, including but not limited to tires, if alternatives are available that decrease greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles,” may be enacted.
For some perspective though, the bill would also empower the EQC to enact “restrictions and prohibitions on the use of substances that contain, release or cause to be released greenhouse gases, if alternatives are available.” In other words, anything is possible, but I don’t see green-clad thugs locking folks up for selling Flowmasters anytime soon. Or maybe I really do just hate the aftermarket. Either way, between this, Governor Kulongoski’s pay-per-mile scheme and our beefed-up speeding laws, car lovers are beginning to hate Oregon. Which means our great driving roads will be less crowded for me. Or something.SEMA »

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