The federal government has imposed many regulations aimed at reducing the pollution that is generated by driving. The more familiar regulations are direct-catalytic converters, fuel-efficiency standards, and the like.
a. Given the discussion in the chapter, why do you think the government opted for such direct controls?
b. Can you think of any indirect controls currently in use to reduce automobile pollution?
c. The federal government is also currently planning to use direct controls to regulate the emission of greenhouse gases. Can you think of a political reason why the government might prefer direct controls over either emissions taxes or tradable emission permits?