Curt81’s Recent Comments

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  A Creative Solution

  I'm glad to see that my theory of a creative solution to every problem is "proven" again.  And, this is a great example.

  What do we want?  Cleaner and more energy efficient cars.

  What do US Auto manufacturers want?  Lower manufacturing costs (mostly employee wages and benefits).

  So, as a slight extension to what Sen Barack and others have proposed, let's give them a tax credit (or even a cash payment) based on how much their auto sales exceed the current CAFE standard.

  We wouldn't have to set the criteria -- some manufactures could go for hybrids others could take different approaches.  At the end of the year, a firm that has sales exceeding the CAFE standard would earn a credit, bonus, or something similar.  A firm that just met the CAFE minimum (and I do mean minimum) would not.

  The payment could be earmarked to offset employee health care expenses so it wouldn't end up entirely in the pockets of shareholders and top executives.  The bottom line is that there's currently a penalty for not meeting CAFE standards, but there's no real reward for exceeding it.

  This kind of proposal would support adequate health care, efficient automobiles, and continued investment in auto R&D.

  It's creative and it's a can't lose proposition.  It -- or something like it -- has my support.

  Keep creative!

  Curt 81On Obama and a bipartisan crew of colleagues unveil eco-friendly bills on energy posted 4 years ago 4 Responses