Question

claim: hybrid cars are better for the environment than conventional cars.
counterclaim: hybrid batteries will pollute the landfills when they can no longer deliver power to the cars.
which of the following is the most relevant rebuttal to the counterclaim?
a. it doesnt really matter how many batteries are in the landfills as long as the carbon dioxide emissions are kept down.
b. using less gasoline per mile compensates for the dead batteries in the landfills so hybrids are still better than gasoline - powered vehicles.
c. even though the hybrid batteries dont last forever, they are expected to last for at least 100,000 miles of driving.
d. manufacturers are developing recycling plans to reduce the number of hybrid batteries that make it to landfills.

Explanation:

The counterclaim focuses on hybrid batteries polluting landfills when they expire. Option D directly addresses this by stating manufacturers are working to reduce landfill-bound batteries via recycling, making it the most relevant rebuttal. Options A ignores battery pollution, B shifts to gasoline use without countering landfill pollution, and C only mentions battery lifespan but not disposal—none directly refute the landfill pollution concern like D.

Answer:

D. Manufacturers are developing recycling plans to reduce the number of hybrid batteries that make it to landfills.