Commentary
During my annual spring-cleaning routine, I stumbled upon a cardboard box filled with old charging cables and adapters hogging space in my garage.
This mishmash of cords of various sizes, from devices long gone like computers, printers, cell phones, and televisions, were all huddled together, saved in case I might need them in the future. Each cable served a specific purpose for the device it was originally meant for, but as technology advances, these cables quickly become outdated, replaced, or made obsolete.
The concept of “planned obsolescence” involves intentionally designing products to have a limited lifespan, driving consumers to constantly purchase new versions. This tactic allows manufacturers to maintain control over their products and prevent cross-compatibility with other devices. This leads to consumers constantly upgrading their cell phones, computers, appliances, and more, even when their current products are still functional. The debate over planned obsolescence is a common topic in business programs across universities.
California’s regulatory landscape, particularly with laws like the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the bureaucratic entity Caltrans, can be likened to these outdated cords.
CEQA mandates that state and local agencies assess the environmental impacts of their actions and mitigate them where possible. Originally intended for public projects, CEQA has been expanded to cover private developments, imposing stringent environmental reviews that hinder innovation and progress.
The cost of complying with CEQA is so high that many private projects, including housing and businesses, are deterred from even starting. Lengthy approval processes and potential litigation from various groups further stall progress, turning a law meant to protect the environment into a barrier to development.
Then there’s Caltrans, California’s massive state highway bureaucracy, known for its inefficiencies and bloated workforce.
Efforts to streamline Caltrans and improve its efficiency have been met with resistance, with proposals to shift roadwork responsibilities to county departments being thwarted by public sector unions. The state’s convoluted bureaucracy, much like the tangled cords in my garage, hinders progress and results in inefficiencies.
As you declutter your garage this spring, consider the obsolete cables you discard and reflect on the unnecessary laws and programs that hinder progress in our state. Just as clearing out old cables can free up space, addressing outdated regulations can pave the way for innovation and growth.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Please rephrase this sentence.
Source link
