an automated reply to my letter voicing my concerns about the "cash for clunkers" attempt to shut us down
Date: Monday, March 9, 2009 1:40 PM
From: senator@feinstein.senate.gov
To: sthomsen2@charter.net
Subject: U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein responding to your message
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Mr. Thomsen:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the "Cash for Clunkers" national incentive program. I appreciate the time you took to write and welcome the opportunity to respond.
As you may already know, on January 14, 2009, I introduced the "Accelerated Retirement of Inefficient Vehicles Act" (S. 247), with Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), and Charles Schumer (D-NY), to enable and encourage drivers to trade in their older, less fuel efficient car, truck or SUV voluntarily for a more fuel efficient vehicle. If enacted, this legislation would establish a national voucher program for voluntary retirement of fuel-inefficient vehicles.
Specifically, the so-called "Cash for Clunkers" program would reimburse drivers with a credit of $2,500 to $4,500 for turning in fuel-inefficient vehicles to be scrapped, and purchasing fuel efficient vehicles. The traded-in vehicles must have a fuel economy of no more than 18 miles per gallon, be in drivable condition, and have been registered for at least the past 120 days. Automobile recyclers would also be able to sell all the parts from scrapped vehicles, except the engine and drivetran.
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has estimated that this program would save between 40,000 to 80,000 barrels per day of motor fuel by the end of the fourth year, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions between 6.6 million metric tons to 13.3 million metric tons, or the equivalent of removing 1.1 million to 2.2 million vehicles from the road in one year. Additionally, the Council estimates that this program would reduce nitrogen oxides, which cause ground-level ozone - a leading cause of respiratory health problems, like asthma.
Again, thank you for your thoughts on the bill. While this may be an issue on which we disagree, it is important for me to hear the views of Californians throughout the legislative process. If you have any further questions or concerns, I hope you will not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.
Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator
