NASCAR's EPA deal neglects to cover gas-guzzling race cars

The Environmental Protection Agency and NASCAR have just become the oddest of odd couples, signing an exhaust-scented partnership deal to promote recycling and environmentally friendly products. NASCAR will start pushing "sustainable concessions" at races, promoting recycling and water conservation, and implementing four or five other changes that have nothing to do with their gas-chugging cars that "average five miles per gallon" as they vroom around the track. "The focus is on suppliers and programs, not green cars," an EPA spokesman said. NASCAR officials have promised to "plant 10 trees every time the green flag is raised," which we assume helps them sleep better, even as those cars race past.