<![CDATA[Grist - Comment Feed for Congress gives green light to “cash for clunkers” bill; Obama to sign]]> Grist Comment Feed en Comment #1 by Woody http://www.grist.org/article/2009-06-18-congress-oks-cash-for-clunker/ Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:00:26 -0700 http://www.grist.org/article/2009-06-18-congress-oks-cash-for-clunker/1 What a GREAT IDEA. Unfortunately, it will only benefit those who can qualify for credit enough to buy a NEW car. Most of them are well-enough off that they do not NEED to conserve.

Meanwhile, the poor who will be buying the cheap clunkers taht the middle-class turn in will still be contributing to the carbon problem, buying ever more expensive gas to feed their inefficient--but slightly newer--pieces of crap cars...

 

 

 

]]> What a GREAT IDEA. Unfortunately, it will only benefit those who can qualify for credit enough to buy a NEW car. Most of them are well-enough off that they do not NEED to conserve.

Meanwhile, the poor who will be buying the cheap clunkers taht the middle-class turn in will still be contributing to the carbon problem, buying ever more expensive gas to feed their inefficient--but slightly newer--pieces of crap cars...

 

 

 

]]> Comment #2 by quiethawkjames http://www.grist.org/article/2009-06-18-congress-oks-cash-for-clunker/ Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:34:18 -0700 http://www.grist.org/article/2009-06-18-congress-oks-cash-for-clunker/2 I have not read the bill, but I hope there is a provision that the car be in running condition and be in your name for some period of time.  If not, couldn't someone potentially buy a 'car' from a junk yard just to get the money towards a new car?  And in that sense, the bill might just help more people get more cars... something the world doesn't need.

]]> I have not read the bill, but I hope there is a provision that the car be in running condition and be in your name for some period of time.  If not, couldn't someone potentially buy a 'car' from a junk yard just to get the money towards a new car?  And in that sense, the bill might just help more people get more cars... something the world doesn't need.

]]> Comment #3 by ecle17 http://www.grist.org/article/2009-06-18-congress-oks-cash-for-clunker/ Sat, 20 Jun 2009 08:28:09 -0700 http://www.grist.org/article/2009-06-18-congress-oks-cash-for-clunker/3 From what I've read, the making and shipping of vehicles takes on average between 1/4-1/3 of the entire embodied energy used over the vehicle's lifespan (from its construction to its disposal).  The exact figure of course depends on the vehicle itself and the mileage it gets during its use.   Therefore, this bills weak requirements for purchasing a vehicle that only gets 4 more mpg (or 2 for lights trucks and SUVs) will likely lead to no net gain in energy or greenhouse emissions saved.  In fact, it will likely do the opposite, by stimulating the construction of 1 million new automobiles.  It seems to me that this is entirely another one of the Obama administration's efforts at keeping the auto industry afloat, wrapped in nice, shiny, green packaging.

]]> From what I've read, the making and shipping of vehicles takes on average between 1/4-1/3 of the entire embodied energy used over the vehicle's lifespan (from its construction to its disposal).  The exact figure of course depends on the vehicle itself and the mileage it gets during its use.   Therefore, this bills weak requirements for purchasing a vehicle that only gets 4 more mpg (or 2 for lights trucks and SUVs) will likely lead to no net gain in energy or greenhouse emissions saved.  In fact, it will likely do the opposite, by stimulating the construction of 1 million new automobiles.  It seems to me that this is entirely another one of the Obama administration's efforts at keeping the auto industry afloat, wrapped in nice, shiny, green packaging.

]]> Comment #4 by scarletlew http://www.grist.org/article/2009-06-18-congress-oks-cash-for-clunker/ Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:52:18 -0700 http://www.grist.org/article/2009-06-18-congress-oks-cash-for-clunker/4 This is actually a good bill. I do hope that it gets implemented soon. At least you get to trade your old car and even earn from it. I hope the same goes for old car parts. I have some junk here in the garage that I want to get rid of like my iron cross running board. If it could be the same for car parts, many would be delighted too.

]]> This is actually a good bill. I do hope that it gets implemented soon. At least you get to trade your old car and even earn from it. I hope the same goes for old car parts. I have some junk here in the garage that I want to get rid of like my iron cross running board. If it could be the same for car parts, many would be delighted too.

]]> Comment #5 by karamp http://www.grist.org/article/2009-06-18-congress-oks-cash-for-clunker/ Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:00:52 -0700 http://www.grist.org/article/2009-06-18-congress-oks-cash-for-clunker/5 This bill doesn't make any sense.  The odds that someone who is currently driving an '84 or older vehicle that gets 18mpg or less, but is suddenly able to afford a new model vehicle are just very minimal.  I think it was a good idea but got lost in the details.

]]> This bill doesn't make any sense.  The odds that someone who is currently driving an '84 or older vehicle that gets 18mpg or less, but is suddenly able to afford a new model vehicle are just very minimal.  I think it was a good idea but got lost in the details.

]]> Comment #6 by splashy http://www.grist.org/article/2009-06-18-congress-oks-cash-for-clunker/ Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:17:50 -0700 http://www.grist.org/article/2009-06-18-congress-oks-cash-for-clunker/6 So, our 87 Nissan small pickup could be traded in, and we could get a voucher for a new used vehicle that gets better gas mileage? Or does it have to be a brand new vehicle? That would be a deal that the poor might be able to get going.

Enquiring minds want to know.

]]> So, our 87 Nissan small pickup could be traded in, and we could get a voucher for a new used vehicle that gets better gas mileage? Or does it have to be a brand new vehicle? That would be a deal that the poor might be able to get going.

Enquiring minds want to know.

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