S-1766 FEDERAL VEHICLE SCRAPPAGE BILL (A.K.A. DEATH OF THE HOBBY)

A bill,

S-1766

,authored by Senators Tom Daschle (D-SD) and Jeff Bingham (D-.NM),is still unfortunately alive and well in the U.S. Senate. Of particular concern is Section 803, that would federally fund state scrappage programs for vehicles more than 15 years old. Owners who turn in vehicles for crushing would receive a minimal payment and a future credit toward purchasing a newer vehicle, all in a misguided attempt to improve the overall fuel economy of the country’s vehicle fleet. This bill represents the most formidable Federal legislative threat to the vehicle hobby in many years, and would use U.S. taxpayer dollars to scrap collector cars. This bill:

A. Would give states that don’t currently operate scrappage programs an extra incentive to create a program due to generous federal funding.

B. Requires that federally funded state scrappage programs crush every car.

C. It threatens enthusiasts nationwide with the loss of valuable parts and parts-cars for repair, restoration, and customization projects.

D. Does not require states to determine the fuel efficiency of vehicles being scrapped or ensure that scrapped vehicles are being replaced by more fuel-efficient vehicles.

E. Ignores the fact that cars turned in for scrappage often barely run or are rarely driven second or third vehicles that have a minimal impact on overall fuel economy.

F. Will diminish the availability of affordable transportation and repair parts to low-income drivers as more and more old- er cars are crushed.

G. Does not guarantee that low-income individuals will be able to afford to purchase new vehicles—let alone more fuel-efficient vehicles—with the money provided by scrappage programs.

H. Ignores more socially responsible and cost-effective policy options like voluntary vehicle repair and upgrade programs that maximize the fuel efficiency of existing vehicles.

Contact your U.S. senators to oppose S-1766(S-517 AS IT IS NOW KNOWN)

SENATOR JOHN CORZINE-- (D-NJ)

SENATOR ROBERT TORICELLI-- (D-NJ)

THE REST OF YOU CAN GO TO:---SENATE.GOV