Congress intros voucher plan for gas guzzlers

GOP USA /Associated Press ^ | January 15, 2009 | Jim Kuhnhenn

[Lorianne]

Congress is mulling a proposal to pay people to get rid of those old gas guzzlers sitting in their driveways.

Under legislation introduced Wednesday in both the House and Senate and called the "Cash for Clunkers" program, drivers could get vouchers of up to $4,500 when they turn in their old fuel-inefficient vehicles for scrapping and buy vehicles that get good gas mileage.

People could also turn in their old cars for vouchers that could be used to ride public buses and trains.

The bill, said Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., "would be an important part of helping getting America's struggling automobile industry back on its feet, and help consumers who are concerned about covering the cost of buying a more fuel-efficient vehicle."

Taking gas guzzlers off the road, added Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, a co-sponsor, "would reduce our dependence on foreign oil, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and stimulate the economy."

The bill envisions the program operating for four years and encouraging the retirement of up to one million vehicles a year, saving between 40,000 and 80,000 barrels of motor fuel a day by the end of the fourth year.

Drivers would be eligible for reimbursement for purchase of a new or used vehicle with a fuel economy rating that exceeds federal targets for that class of vehicle by at least 25 percent. The vehicle must have a manufacturer suggested retail price of less than $45,000 and be a model year 2004 or later.

The vehicles turned in must be drivable, registered in the United States and have a when-new fuel economy rating of less than 18 miles per gallon.

[Hildy]

I AM SO SICK OF THIS...WHEN DOES THE REVOLUTION START? WHEN? When are we going to get off of our asses and start doing something. We are losing this country.

[Hildy]

Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
-----Ronald Reagan (1986)

[Myrddin]

Look carefully. It's probably a voucher for "UP TO" $4500. The "rebate" for my brand new 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid was quoted as $3,000 when I signed the contract. The actual rebate from the feds was $1202. That's a pretty big spread from what was promised.

[Vaquero]

I’m sure there must be a planet somewhere where people are not so stupid. Anyone with me?

this one suits me....lets take her back....Anyone with me?

[Lorianne]

I’m in.

[Chewbacca]

If they are going to pay out $4,500 for a gas guzzler I will take it.

I paid only $2,500 for my 80 model dodge pickup.

With the $4,500 voucher I will be able to upgrade to a 1990 pickup for about $3,500.

[ApplegateRanch]

So, if I pull a clunker out of the back 40 scrap pile, put put a blown engine off the heap into it (back seat; not install it!), and winch it onto the flatbed, and take it for scrapping, I can get money to restore my VW?

SWEET!

Not.

[MoTiger]

How long does the person have to have owned the vehicle? Otherwise I think you can pick up a $4500 voucher for your new car at a junkyard.