June 2008 LSAT Section 4 Question 10

Albert: The government has proposed new automobile emissions regulations designed to decrease the amount of polycycl...

Ava on February 2, 2020

Answer choice E

Why is answer choice E incorrect? It seems as if this answer choice is directly addressing Erin's counter more so than a statement on the exhaust/tires/emissions.

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Ravi on February 5, 2020

@shafieiava,

Let's look at (E).

(E) says, "PAHs are one of several components of automobile exhaust
that scientists suspect of causing cancer."

The problem with (E) is that it does not affect Erin's argument. Would
the other compounds be affected by the PAH regulations? We do not know
either way, so this doesn't have an effect on Erin's argument.

(D) says, "Most of the PAHs released into the atmosphere are the
result of wear and tear on automobile tires."

(D) is great because if true, it would really weaken Erin's argument
in favor of regulating automobile exhaust, as it shows that most of
the PAHs are entering the atmosphere not from exhaust, but from tires.
Thus, this is the correct answer choice.

Does this make sense? Let us know if you have any other questions!

Ava on February 9, 2020

Thank you for your explanation. In this case, is B wrong for similar reasons, because the real casual factor is irrelevant to author 2's claim that scientists blame these diseases on PAH? Thanks in advance.