A
Certain politicians in the country of Birangi argue that a 50 percent tax on new automobiles would halt the rapid increase of automobiles on Birangi' s roads and thereby slow the deterioration of Birangi' s air quality. Although most experts agree that such a tax would result in fewer Birangians buying new vehicles and gradually reduce the number of automobiles on Birangi' s roads, they contend that it would have little impact on Birangi' s air-quality problem. Which of the following, if true in Birangi, would most strongly support the experts' contention about the effect of the proposed automobile tax on Birangi's air-quality problem?
A: Automobiles become less fuel efficient and ttherefore contribute more to air pollution as they age.
B: Currently, the sales tax on new tax on new automobiles is considerably lower than 50 percent.
C: Some of the proceeds from the new tax would go toward expanding the nonpolluting commuter rail system.
D: The scrapping of automobiles causes insignificant amounts of air pollution.