Certainly these "improvements to the pollution situation" are good desires in and of themselves however ...
The timing does not appear to be very good strategically. Kick the consumers while they're down?
Also noticed the unemployment rates jumped drastically last month - largest jump in 20 years.
I had reserved judgment on whether we are in a recession thus far but it is pretty hard to ignore right now. It seems circumstances in the housing sector have come home to roost ... with more to come. I note that this is a US phenomenon ... For example, in Canada these types of loans/mortgages were never available so, to my knowledge, none of these defaults are happening there ... although the automotive industry is laying off a lot of people in the province of Ontario.
Of course, if you are working in the oil industry or some other select industries you are probably ok (most people? 5.5% UI, means 94.5% employment) ... although some slow-downs might be happening. But, you know, I bet the oil industry may slow down too as people start to drive less and actually make a serious attempt to reduce consumption. E.G. use less A/C for homes, drive less, drive slower (think I've noticed this already), less fuel consuming cars/motorcycles/bicycles/walking, etc.
I wonder if this is one of the reasons we are seeing less attendance at solos?
Probably Washington will have to take some additional measures now to help the economy out ...
Whoops! Think I veered off-topic! }:)
Reijo
