Hilarious. China is messing with the West and its plan to hybridize the auto-industry citing environmental concerns:

BEIJING — A Chinese official tried to calm unease about curbs on exports of rare earths used in clean energy products and superconductors, saying Thursday that sales will continue but must be limited to reduce damage to China’s environment.
China produces nearly all the rare earths used in batteries for hybrid cars, mobile phones, superconductors, lightweight magnets and other high-tech products. Reports of a plan to reduce exports sparked concern about the impact on industry abroad.
Beijing will encourage sales of finished rare earths products but will limit exports of semi-finished goods, said Wang Caifeng, deputy director-general of the materials department of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
Exports of raw ores already is banned, and said that will continue, Wang said at an industry conference.
Wang refused to confirm Chinese news reports that this year’s exports will be cut to about 8 percent below 2008 levels and future exports will be capped at similar levels. She said a plan will be be issued later this year.
“China, as a responsible big country, will not go back and will not take the road of closing the door,” Wang said.
But she said China has to limit output to protect its environment. She said production of one ton of rare earths produces 2,000 tons of mine tailings.

Why do people who buy hybrid with batteries made of Chinese rare-earth materials want the Chinese to destroy their environment?