rift between environmentalism and libertarianism is clear when major issues facing public policy makers are considered. The global energy crisis, which is now taking center stage due to current world events, is one arena in which legislation stalls due to irreconcilable differences. On the one hand, auto manufacturers, dealerships, and consumers of light trucks demand that the government not interfere with the proliferation of vehicles. Reducing emissions standards would be akin to cutting jobs and severely restricting personal freedoms, say the opponents of environmental legislation. Global warming is another issue that garners more dissent than agreement; politicians and scientists can't even agree on the existence of global warming to begin with. It is impossible to establish new laws when there is no agreement on this fundamental issue. In general, enacting legislation that would help improve the environment always irks those who feel that such legislation infringes on personal "freedoms" or...
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