35 H.P.
Posted on 01/15/2009 5:32:50 AM PST by Red Badger
A measure introduced by US Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Charles Schumer (D-NY) would establish a national voucher program to encourage drivers to trade in older, less fuel efficient cars, trucks or SUVs for a more fuel-efficient vehicles or to use mass transit. Companion legislation was also introduced in the House by Representatives Steve Israel (D-NY), Jay Inslee (D-WA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Dennis Moore (D-KS).
The Accelerated Retirement of Inefficient Vehicles Retirement Act of 2009 (ARIVA)—also called the “Cash for Clunkers” program—would reimburse drivers with a credit of up to $4,500 for scrapping vehicles with a when-new fuel economy rating of less than 18 mpg US as reported by the original manufacturer for purposes of CAFE compliance. (CAFE compliance figures are lower than the adjusted EPA fuel economy ratings for consumers.)
Eligible drivers would receive a reimbursement voucher for the purchase of a new or used vehicle with a fuel economy rating that exceeds the CAFE target for that class of vehicle by at least 25%. The bill also requires that the voucher be used towards the purchase of a vehicle that has an MSRP of less than $45,000, is model year 2004 or later, and meets or exceeds federal emissions standards. Drivers who apply for the program must ensure that their vehicles are in driveable condition and are currently registered in the US.
Vouchers could also be redeemed for transit fares for participating local public transportation agencies. The program would operate for four years, from 2000-2012, and is expected to encourage the early retirement of up to one million vehicles per year. [SNIP] See linked article for price chart
In each subsequent year (2010, 2011, and 2012), the model years would be advanced by one year. Vouchers would be eligible for redemption for up to two years after the date of issuance, and no individual would be eligible to obtain more than one voucher in any three-year period. Dealers, dismantlers and scrap recycling facilities would also be eligible for a payment of $50 per vehicle, or an alternative amount to be specified by the Department of Energy.
Last Congress, we successfully enacted legislation...to improve the fuel efficiency of America’s fleet of new cars, trucks and SUVs by at least 10 miles per gallon over 10 years. But we face real challenges with trying to encourage drivers to trade in their older, less fuel efficient vehicles—particularly in this tough economic climate. This bill will help address that problem...If enacted, this bill 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. —Senator Feinstein
If implemented,the program would, as estimated by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE):
*
Save between 40,000 to 80,000 barrels per day of motor fuel by the end of the fourth year, (based on an estimated 500,000 to 1,000,000 vouchers issued per year). *
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions between 6.6 million metric tons to 7.6 million metric tons, or the equivalent of removing 1.1 million to 2.2 million vehicles from the road in one year, (based on an estimated 500,000 to 1,000,000 vouchers issued per year). *
Reduce NOx by 3,043 short tons (2,761 metric tons) by 2013, (based on an estimated 500,000 to 1,000,000 vouchers issued per year).
While participation in the voluntary program is hard to gauge, ACEEE said, its preliminary estimates are that 575,000 vehicles would be retired annually, and that fuel savings would reach 46,000 barrels per day by 2013.
Resources
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ACEEE white paper on accelerated vehicle retirement
...for now
Like the Income Tax is voluntary...........
They want my 65 Mustang ragtop? Sorry.
Bill numbers: S247 & HR520
Both were introduced on 1/14/09 and in both cases the text has not been posted by GPO yet.
Some things are worth fighting for...(8^D)
This reminds me of the gun buy back program. Buy a cheap rifle or pistol and trade in in for twice it’s worth.
35 H.P.
Wasn’t this already in place some 15 years ago? I recall a picture and article of an old man that was standing on the hood of his crushed (just moments before low mileage pristine) 1971 Ranchero holding a check in his hand for $50.00 or some rediculous amount.
I only have two out of the entire fleet new enough to be rated at all (of a dozen+ vehicles), and I bought them to do light duty because they were cheap to operate!
‘zactly!
...and the social security number
This is going to put a heck of a squeeze on the used parts market.
The used parts market, aka junkyards, has been under a big squeeze for years. All the junkyards around here have closed in the last few years. The nearest one is now 30 mile away. We used to have 4 or 5 right here in the south county alone. Now they are all gone. Fed and state EPA regs and requirements have put them all out of business............
That must have been some state program. I don’t recall a fed program like this before...........
Thanks. I’m probably just misunderstanding the article. I’ll wait until the text of the legislation is published, then figure it out.
Wonder what my dad’s ‘69 Mustang Mach 1 with the 428 cobra jet gets for fuel mileage? I guess it doesn’t matter as he could give a Sh-t!!!
No you get $4500 in commie rail tickets.
I recall that it was in California
They are slowly tightening the vise on us. Lookout for continually decreasing options for owning cars, guns, lawnmowers, wood stoves, fireplaces, etc.
They have just stunned us with the near destruction and takeover of our economy with hardly a peep out of the people. Taking away these other things should be a piece of cake.
That's a classic turn of phrase right there...
I'm sure they'd love to turn it into a museum piece, right next to my '65 Fastback. The proposed credit is a fraction of the car's appraised value (not that I'd be inclined to "trade" it, even at full value).
***********
I strip away the old debris, that hides a shining car
A brilliant red barchetta, from a better, vanished time
I fire up the willing engine, responding with a roar
Tires spitting gravel, I commit my weekly crime...
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