Michael Lissack power for the very diverse responses of the states to common problems. The argument for diversification seems strong here because the independent course followed by individual states does not seem to create local monopo- lies which wise federal regulation might prevent. If the national government can regulate the states with a free hand, then, alas, it can bargain with them with a free hand as well. Business Week carried a story which clearly illustrated this point. “Philadelphia Mayor Edward G. Rendell used to be a prosecutor. But two years ago he was so angry he almost became a lawbreaker. Washington wanted him to pay for a new $500 million wastewater-treatment plant to protect fish in the Delaware River. But Rendell argued that the existing plant was just fine-and pointed out that the fish weren’t dying. I told them I m simply not going to do it and you can put me in jail before I go along Rendell recalls. The feds are reexamining their position. Multiply the mayor’s war story hundreds of times and you can see why the Clinton Administration and Congress face an insurrection outside the Beltway. Furious state and local officials are demanding that Congress stop passing so many programs that must be financed by localities with no help from Washington. Mayors and governors contend that unfunded mandates are destroying their right to set priorities. Ohio Governor George V. Voinovich for one complains that a law requiring that rubberized asphalt be used in paving highways cost his state $50 million. All told the U. S. Conference of Mayors last year found that 10 federal mandates ate up 11% of city budgets. Something is wrong when you have to enforce pooper-scooper laws but you can t afford the tops to enforce drug laws says Rutland (Vt.) Mayor Jeffrey N. Wennberg.” Of course even individuals can find themselves on the receiving end of un- wise federal mandates. On Dec. 31 1995 production of chloro-fluorocarbons (CFCs) such as Freon the primary cooling agent in air conditioners, refrig- erators and freezers will be banned, necessitating replacement or retrofitting that could cost hundreds of billions of dollars. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been urging owners of air-conditioning equipment to act now and prepare for the phase out of CFCs. Owners are advised to begin the process of converting or replacing existing equipment with equipment
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