The bickering starts over the implementation of the Cash for Clunkers legislation

March 24, 2009 at 7:05 pm

(Source: Autoblog)

Aftermarket group warns Cash For Clunkers legislation will expand landfills


The House is currently looking at a Cash for Clunkers bill that would give owners of eight-year or older vehicles up to $5,000 to turn in their car or truck for a more fuel efficient vehicle. The deal sounds great for the owners of beaters, and automakers wouldn’t complain much either. The most politically friendly aspect of the legislation, though, is the perceived positive impact on the environment. More fuel efficient vehicles emit less CO2 than an older model, and less oil use means less drilling. Less drilling means a decreased dependency on foreign oil. That sounds like a win, win, win, win proposition, but one organization isn’t so sure.

The Fight Cash For Clunkers group claims that the legislation would do more harm to the environment than good. Aaron Lowe, vice president of government affairs for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, says Cash For Clunkers will lead to more vehicles being scrapped, which would then lead to more car waste in landfills. The group would rather owners of older vehicles take steps to improve the efficiency of the vehicles they already own. 

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Note: Transportgooru wonders how other Governments such as Germany are able to successfully implement similar programs ( while battling this environmental/recycling challenge ).  Instead of fighting the Government, can Fight Cash for Clunkers work with the Government and find meaningful ways to approach this issue.  Failure to understand and implement this program soon, may soon lead to behemoth challenges, both economically and environmentally.  Here are some related  articles from the Transportgooru.com archives:
(1) Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save (CARS) Act revives “Cash for Clunkers” scrapping plan in U.S.

Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save (CARS) Act revives “Cash for Clunkers” scrapping plan in U.S.

March 18, 2009 at 11:42 am

(Source:  Autobloggreen)

 It’s rare for the Detroit 3 automakers, the UAW and various politicians to agree on anything meaningful, but that’s exactly what appears to be happening after Rep. Betty Sutton of Ohio (D) introduced a bill in Congress called Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save bill (CARS Act) that revives the so-called “Cash for Clunkers” plan. This bill would offer consumers up to $5,000 to trade in a vehicle that’s at least 8 years old in exchange for a new one built in the United States that gets at least 27 mpg if it’s a car or 24 mpg if it’s a truck or SUV. The total payout would be based on the new vehicle’s mileage rating.

General Motors, Ford and Chrysler are all supporting the bill, as is the United Auto Workers union. Vehicles built in either Canada or Mexico would need to get at least 30 mpg and would be eligible for up to $4,00.
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