Pollution, brought to you by Cheney

As if our veep's behind-the-scenes machinations to support Iraq warmongering weren't enough already, here's another to add to the list: quashing California's emissions restrictions. The Guardian UK reports that after a Cheney meeting with auto industry execs, EPA head Stephen Johnson ignored his staff's expert advice and blocked the California law, which would have regulated 2009 and later model cars and trucks, requiring a 30% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2016.

Meanwhile, I keep running across a series of GM ads trumpeting their green cars. So they're sort of getting the message... Auto industry, why must you keep shooting yourselves in the foot, er, tire?