This letter was in today's local newspaper:

I applaud Sen. Warner's efforts to create a cap and trade system to reduce greenhouse emissions.

I believe this is a case of too little too late. Sen. Warner would get more immediate results if he proposed legislation that called for the elimination of motor vehicle racing.

NASCAR and all other motor vehicle races serve absolutely no useful purpose. NASCAR is nothing but senseless, massive greenhouse gas emissions that are helping to destroy our climate. And let us not forget about all of the precious and very expensive gasoline that is wasted by race car drivers during the race and by driving to and from the various speedways.

The hubris is almost startling. Auto racing is, for its fans, entertainment. Almost by definition, something engaged in for entertainment purposes serves no useful purpose, which brings this question: why is the author not similarly exercised about the climatic impact of the theater?

Do you have any idea the energy demands of a modern theater, with its high powered lighting systems, audio pickups, house lights, and super-quiet heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems? Not to mention the energy consumed by the audience getting to and from the various theaters and sitting around coffee houses consuming lattes brewed with beans from unsustainable rain forests and harvested by people not earning a living wage? Is there not an equally compelling argument for banning theater, or football, or rock concerts, or any other activity engaged in for entertainment purposes? So why is the author worried specifically about NASCAR?

I am guessing it is because he is not particularly interested in auto racing, nor particularly fond of its fans.

Update: Link fixed. Thanks Rob! And you are correct, I would ask the free market to legislate such things, not legislators.