Large point-source emitters are low-hanging fruit politically because they're usually owned by companies with deep pockets - "just regulate them!" makes it all appear costless to society. That same money could have much more substantial effects in areas such as replacing old lighting, replacing old appliances, and retrofitting residential HVAC systems. According to the updated study by McKinsey on the cost of carbon abatement, there's a long list of negative-cost ways of reducing emissions that we aren't doing -- steps that actually save money but aren't getting done principally because of householders' budget constraints. Hybrid cars and PHEVs are two of these "cheaper than free" solutions, according to the study -- McKinsey apparently didn't think BEVs would get enough traction to warrant discussion.
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