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I can’t believe people are stupid enough to think california regulations set the price of cars in other states, because they literally don’t.



The biggest markets set the price for the smallest


Tough luck? Sounds like people complaining about big government requiring them to have catalytic converters want big government to regulate markets so they don’t have to have catalytic converters.

Quite impressive cognitive dissonance.


They do, because of market size effects and standardization.

Automakers, textbook writers, etc cater to the largest state they serve (or the lowest common of several large markets), then distribute the same version to multiple locations.

In the case of cars, which have to adhere to California regulations to be sold in California, that can drive up the price in other markets due to expensive parts required for compliance and auto-manufacturers standardizing.

It’s also more constructive to explain why people are wrong (eg, why you think car regulations one place can’t impact the price in others) than just call them stupid.


California isn’t doing anything to anyone else. The sellers are making choices, and the market is doing what it does and allocating resources accordingly.


The Supreme Court's interpretation of the Interstate Commerce Clause disagrees with you.


How does it disagree? How do California’s state laws prevent a product from selling in other states?

The way interstate commerce clause is used is to give federal government ability to intervene, not another state government.




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