Gas Guzzler Bill Passes

Author: Manny A. Villamor

Posted: 10 July 2009 10:30PM - Manny A. Villamor

The "Cash for Clunkers" or "Gas Guzzlers" bill successfully slid through a Congressional maze and now lean in the Oval Office in-basket where it will surely receive President Obama's signature. Its passage through Capitol Hill amounted to an advanced option in civics.

So what are the relevant provisions?

The Department of Transportation will oversea the program expected to begin in August. Participating auto dealers will be eligible to receive electronic DoT vouchers for trade-ins of qualified clunkers in the amount of either $3,500 or $4,500 - the vouchers going directly toward the purchase of a new car or light truck.

Owners of cars getting no more than 18mpg are eligible for a $3,500 voucher toward the purchase of a new car getting at least 22mpg. If the new car gets 10mpg or more better mileage than the trade-in clunker, then the owner will receive a $4,500 credit. That's for cars.

For light-truck platformed vehicles - SUVs and pickups - plus minivans getting no more than 18mpg, the comparable new vehicle must get at least 2mpg better mileage to receive the $3,500 voucher and 5mpg better for the $4,500 ticket.

Dealers must ensure that the clunkers are crushed or shredded. Eligible trade-ins must be 1984 models or later. This eliminates cars the Antique Automobile Club of America defines as antique - 25 years of older.

The author believes that this bill is a perfect way to eliminate the gas guzzlers that are on the US highways and gives the environmenalist a positive view of the Obama administrations commitment to reduction of carbion emissions

Author: Manny A. Villamor