07/14/2014
Truck Owners Blow Extra Smoke To Anger Environmentalists
Many Americans are rigging their trucks to intentionally emit large plumes of toxic smoke. The trend, called "rolling coal," is attributed to backlash against environmentalists and a fear that anyone with an interest in preserving the earth is a threat to the diesel-loving lifestyle. Diesel exhaust leads to 21,000 premature deaths each year.
■Class discussion: What do you think of spending from $500 to $5,000 to rig a truck to spew a cloud of carcinogenic black smoke? Should the practice be legal? Why or why not? Do you or anyone you know think environmental controls have gone too far? Do you think enough is being done to deal with climate change and water and air pollution?