Listers,
This Just In!!!
Just in time for Christmas, the Feds are trying to establish a Federal
Scrappage Program. Sheesh - will this never stop? For those of you who
questioned how or why you would get involved with other states' fights,
here's your opportunity to join the fight against program that would affect
our hobby nationwide. Let's join together to nip this idea in the bud now,
before our Federal legislators get any more emboldened.
Please, read the attached, then make your best argument to both of your
U.S. Senators, even if you believe they may not be sympathetic. We need
everyone's help on this one.
Cheers (I think!)
Rick Feibusch
Journalist/Appraiser
Coordinator/British Car Meets
----- Original Message -----
From: Brian Caudill
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2001 2:52 PM
Subject: SEMA Action Network URGENT Federal Legislative Alert - U.S. Senate
Bill Would Fund Scrappage Programs Nationwide
URGENT FEDERAL SCRAPPAGE ALERT
U.S. Senate Bill Would Fund Scrappage Programs Nationwide
A bill (S. 1766) has been introduced in the U.S. Senate containing a
provision (Section 803) that would federally fund state scrappage programs
for vehicles over 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.
Oppose the Use of U.S. Taxpayer Dollars for Scrappage
7 Section 803 of S. 1766 would give states that don't currently operate
scrappage programs an extra incentive to create a program due to generous
federal funding.
7 Section 803 of S. 1766 requires that federally funded state scrappage
programs crush every car. It threatens enthusiasts nationwide with the loss
of valuable parts and parts-cars for repair, restoration, and customization
projects.
7 Section 803 of S. 1766 does not require states to determine the fuel
efficiency of vehicles being scrapped or that scrapped vehicles are being
replaced by more fuel-efficient vehicles.
7 Section 803 of S. 1766 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.
7 Section 803 of S. 1766 will diminish the availability of affordable
transportation and repair parts to low-income drivers as more and more older
cars are crushed.
7 Section 803 of S. 1766 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.
7 Section 803 of S. 1766 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 Section 803 of S. 1766
Protect American vehicle enthusiasts and low-income drivers. To find out who
your U.S. Senators are, call the SEMA Washington, D.C. office at
202-783-6007 or access this information via the Internet at
www.enjoythedrive.com/legislative/contact_legislator.asp. For assistance in
turning this alert into a letter to your Senator, consult the SEMA document
"How to Lobby Elected Officials." This guide is available at
www.enjoythedrive.com/san.
Please fax a copy of your letters to us at 202/783-6024 or mail to:
SEMA Washington Office
1317 F St., NW, Ste. 500
Washington, D.C. 20004
Attn: Brian Caudill/ Steve McDonald
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