We'll Pay You to Pollute!

I think this'll have to be environment day, because this just floored me:

General Motors Corp. is doing what politicians wish they could do: Lower the price of gas to $1.99 a gallon.

GM on Tuesday announced a promotion that caps gas at $1.99 a gallon for one year for buyers of certain full-size sport-utility vehicles and midsize cars in California and Florida.

Consumers will receive a monthly credit to a pre-paid fuel card for the difference between $1.99 and the average price of premium gas in their state.

The amount they receive will be based on the number of miles they drive, as recorded in the OnStar communications system in all vehicles, and the EPA city fuel-economy estimate for their vehicle.

Eligible vehicles in California include the 2006 and 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL large SUVs. In Florida, Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, Pontiac Grand Prix and Buick LaCrosse midsize cars are eligible.

These are some of the worst-polluting cars out there, and GM has just ensured that they stay in circulation for years. This is an analogue to the constant calls to drill in ANWR. That just exacerbates the problem. This guy from the Sierra Club says it perfectly (actually he says it in exactly the same language I've been using as a joke onstage for the past month):

Dan Becker, director of global warming and energy programs for the Sierra Club, blasted GM's promotion for supporting America's reliance on foreign oil.

"I have never heard of an addict getting off their addiction by having someone subsidize their fix," Becker said.

I call it the "Knock Over a Liquor Store" solution. "Here, we'll help you rob this 7-11 so you can buy more heroin!"

Meanwhile, Think Progress informs us that Bush's environmental advisor strongly supports Al Gore's film and mission, saying "They’re giving the same advice I’ve been giving for years.” What did the President have to say when asked if he would see Gore's movie?

"Doubt it."

Dismissive. Disgraceful.