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California Sues Automakers for Global Warming
ajs writes "Reuters is reporting that the state of California is suing automakers over global warming. California is claiming that automakers have 'harmed the resources, infrastructure and environmental health,' of the state. The targeted automakers are Ford Motor Co., General Motors Corp., Toyota Motor Corp., Chrysler Motors Corp., Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co."
California has made many attempts to get automobile manufacturers to cut emissions, and have been repeatedly sued by those auto manufacturers to keep those laws from getting enforced. California is now simply returning the favor.
I doubt that anyone seriously expects the state to win this suit, but they are at the very least drawing attention to the auto manufacturers' continuous efforts to keep any law that might involve reduced emissions or higher fuel economy off the books.
In Switzerland (at least), manufacturers are required to pay for the disposal of the packaging for their products. You're right, this cost is then built right into the cost of the product. But you also notice how all of a sudden there is MUCH less product packaging everywhere. The manufacturer realized that if they have to include the actual cost of their product, they'd have to pare it down to move product.
That law isn't perfect, but it's better than what was there before. Better than what goes on in America.