RSS'Cash for clunkers' is a bit clunky
Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board
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This editorial appears in the June 26 Yakima Herald-Republic
We would have preferred Sen. Maria Cantwell to have just said no to President Obama. But she didn't, and what we now have is a "cash for clunkers" bill that is short on expected results and long on scrap metal.
The "cash for clunkers" program offers government incentives of $3,500 to $4,500 to motorists who trade in their gas guzzlers for more fuel-efficient vehicles. This catchy-sounding program seems great on the surface. Not only do supporters see it helping the struggling auto industry and re-energizing the economy, but it also would make this nation become less dependent on foreign oil.
But problems abound.
First, the subsidy is not for all Americans. It has a limited scope and provides vouchers only to those who buy a new car or truck that gets at least 4 miles per gallon more than their old vehicle.
It will not help the poor who are unlikely to buy a new car or truck. They will, no doubt, be heading to the used-car lot. However, the older vehicles being purchased by the government won't end up there. Instead, these vehicles will be sent to the scrap heap.
Furthermore, the rebates aren't set aside for all cars and trucks. They have to be vehicles with appreciably better gas mileage than the buyer's old vehicle. So if you are a conscientious buyer who owns an older, more gas-efficient car, you may not even qualify for a rebate. But the guy down the street with the turbo-charged gas-guzzler that ekes out only 12 mpg will earn the full-meal deal from the government. Is that fair? Not really.
That's why Cantwell had reservations about the legislation. She wanted additional incentives to put more fuel-efficient cars on the highways. But a phone call from Obama changed her mind. The president promised to do his best to increase the incentives, and Cantwell then flipped her vote from no to yes.
Now the "cash for clunkers" bill is on its way to the Oval Office for the president's signature as part of a $106 billion war-spending plan. Yes, "cash for clunkers" apparently is integral to our defense spending.
We hope Cantwell gets her wish and the president helps to transform this program into something that offers better mileage for its $1 billion price tag. Of course, the voucher program is only good from July through November, so the president better not delay. These stimulus dollars, you know, don't grow on trees -- they just seem like they do.
* Members of the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board are Michael Shepard, Bob Crider, Spencer Hatton and Karen Troianello.
Very well stated! This plan NEEDS some significant improvements before it is a real help to Americans.
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