How about banning tanks, jet fighters and submarines?

The Australian government has decided to fight against energy consumption: by banning “most plasma and LCD HDTVs by the year 2011.” However, rather than punishing consumers and ultimately future innovators, if the goal of a government is to crack down on all “wasted” energy consumption, why not start with the highly unproductive and inefficient construction of military vehicles. For instance, there are very few alternative uses for tanks during peace time, as tractors and bulldozers adequately satisfy consumer demand. Similarly, submarines are comparatively less-than-optimal at crab and shrimp fishing than their non-military counterparts (e.g., trawlers). And unless you plan on stowing away in the bomb bays, fighter jets are hardly the most effective mass transportation service. Aircraft carriers and destroyers perhaps underscore this waste the best, as their designs consume vast swaths of natural resources that could have otherwise been used cultivating agriculture or constructing high-rise apartments. In addition to consuming and diverting tremendous amounts of productive land, labor, and capital, the pollution caused by battles and wars can create long-lasting environmental hazards (e.g., lead poisoning, radioactive decay, unexploded munitions, land mines). Therefore, why not criminalize the activities leading to environmental pollution... which are directly caused by government intervention? See also: Why Does Socialism Cause Pollution?