Re: First they came for the clunkers......

Posted by portlandon On 2009/1/20 18:43:53

The "Clunker Bill" shows a lack of understanding of "sustainability." The environmental cost associated with building a new vehicle outweigh the savings associated with increasing your fuel consumption by anything but an astronomically high number (think 150%). So unless people are trading in old Suburbans for Vespas, you'll be hurting the environment more than helping it. The one benefit is the auto industry stimulus that would occur from added sales. However, it would be a one-time hit -- not a real solution to the many things that really ail the industry.

Environmental groups have tried for years to get rid of the Auto hobbyist by legislating chemicals they use in small amounts at home garages, & local zoning restrictions for how many autos can be on private property etc, etc. This slide of hand maneuver labeling it as "helping the auto industry" is really aimed at environmental reasons for getting rid of Old cars.

Classic & older cars get so little use per year, they are but a minor contributor compared to industrial polluters. Thus old cars are the scapegoat for the large polluters.