If there is a regulation that says you have to do…
“If there is a regulation that says you have to do something-whether it be putting in seat belts, catalytic converters, clean air for coal plants, clean water-the first tack that the lawyers use, among others things, and that companies use, is that it's going to drive the electricity bill up, drive the cost of cars up, drive everything up. It repeatedly has been demonstrated that once the engineers start thinking about it, it's actually far less than the original estimates. We should remember that when we hear this again, because you will hear it again.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Regulations often raise cost concerns, yet engineering solutions usually lower actual expenses; don’t let cost fears block progress.
In simple terms: Regulations may cost more at first, but engineering saves money.
Key Takeaway
Don’t let cost arguments stop environmental action.
Themes
policy
technology
economics
Mood
cautious
optimistic
analytical
Type
educational
persuasive
When to use this quote
- government regulation
- industrial design
- public health
- energy sector
Key Concepts
cost‑benefit analysis
innovation
regulatory impact
Questions to Reflect On
- What examples show regulation spurring innovation?
- How can we better communicate true cost impacts?
A Different Perspective
Assuming all regulations are costly ignores potential savings and societal benefits.