Date:         Mon, 2 Mar 1998 11:25:21 -0800
Reply-To:     Ian Cameron <ianc@UVIC.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Ian Cameron <ianc@UVIC.CA>
Subject:      Re: re; smog sympathies
Comments: To: Scot Douglas <sdoug@concentric.net>, Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
In-Reply-To:  <34FA1C39.EBA@concentric.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 09:40 PM 3/1/98 -0500, Scot Douglas wrote:
>
>I appreciate your view on this issue Larry, but I must insist on saying
>one thing:  Every car must be maintained to the original emission
>specification it is certified as.  Period.
>
>So the air is cleaner.  Smog isn't as bad as it used to be.  There's a
>reason for pollution control devices on vehicles; they fucking work. >>
Three things.  First, I presume this is a family list.  I have nothing
against profanity, but only when it's necessary.
Secondly, a fair amount of pollution control doesn't lessen air pollution,
it just gets around legislation, the best example being the air pump, which
simply mixes more air with the exhaust. Same amount of smog, but the
testing devices measure lower.  Big advantage.
Thirdly, there is a trade-off between gas use and pollution control.  My
motorcycle has no smog devices at all, but gets 90 MPG.  My van has smog
stuff coming out of its ears, and gets 18 MPG.  Which is harder on
spaceship earth?