Q24 - Automobile-emission standards

[erho]

Could someone please explain why the answer is C?

[timmydoeslsat]

What a feel good stimulus. Who doesn't want to protect the environment?

Our question stem is a lengthy unusual one, so we should glance at it and see what kind of direction we want our mental process to take. We see that the question stem wants to essentially weaken the idea that these standards are going to be effective at controlling overall pollutant levels.

Our stimulus says that the emission standards of cars are tested yearly. These inspections are done when cars are idling. There are devices that measure the pollutants that leave the tail pipe. So, this is at least a start. But what about when cars are not idling, such as actually being driven?

This is what (C) points out. Lets say that upon inspection of the car while idling, some issues were found with pollutants. The mechanics fix the problem with the car idling. However, what if it is the case that while doing this with the car idling, this "fix" actually compounds a pollutant issue when the car drives at a fast rate. This shows a compelling reason why we could expect an ineffective practice at controlling the pollutant levels with this current enforcement.

[WaltGrace1983]

To add to that, the argument is about weakening the idea that the current way of doing things will be ineffective for controlling overall pollutant levels. The stimulus gives you one way the emission standards are trying to protect the environment: they are measuring the engines when idling and (supposedly) fixing them accordingly.

However, is adjusting the car while idling sufficient for helping overall pollution levels? Maybe not! It could very well be (and probably is true) that the car operates different when idling as compared to when going full-force down the highway. Thus, (C) points out that the measurements/adjustments made to the car when idling actually aren't sufficient. Why? Because these very adjustments "make it likely" that the car will "emit high levels of pollutants" when the car goes down the highway. What a weakener!

(A) We don't care about expense. We are only wanting to know about it affects the environment!

(B) Whether or not the devices must be recalibrated frequently doesn't hurt or help the argument. Does this recalibration mean anything for how the car affects the environment? It doesn't seem to be so!

(D) We are trying to attack the idea that the emission standards are effective so why do we care if people follow them!?

(E) This doesn't matter at all either. We want to attack the effectiveness of those emissions standards! This doesn't seem to do that.