Scappage Law

<STYLE type=text/css> @import url( "http://www.azautohobbyist.com/simplestyle.css" ); </STYLE>   <STYLE type=text/css>  </STYLE>   <TABLE id=main border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=720 align=center> <TBODY> <TR vAlign=top> <TD id=banner colSpan=3>Arizona Automobile Hobbyist Council</TD></TR> <TR vAlign=top> <TD id=headerstrip colSpan=3> <DIV align=right><A href="http://www.azautohobbyist.com/index.htm"></A> <DIV align=right><A href="http://www.azautohobbyist.com/index.html">Home</A> | <A href="http://www.azautohobbyist.com/MembershipInfo.html">Membership Info.</A> | <A href="http://www.azautohobbyist.com/ContactUs.html">Contact Us</A></DIV><A href="http://www.azautohobbyist.com/contact.htm"></A></DIV></TD></TR> <TR vAlign=top> <TD width=140> <TABLE id=links border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=161> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width=160> <A href="http://www.azautohobbyist.com/PresidentsMessage.html">Message from the President</A> <A href="http://www.azautohobbyist.com/BoardofDirectors.html">Board of Directors</A> <A href="http://www.desertcruisers.com//index.php?stateid=AZ">Calendar of Events</A> <A href="http://www.azautohobbyist.com/MeetingMinutes.html">Meeting Minutes</A> <A href="http://www.azautohobbyist.com/LegislativeNews.html">Legislative News </A> <A href="http://www.azautohobbyist.com/Classifieds.html">Classifieds</A> <A href="http://www.azautohobbyist.com/MemberClubsandAffiliates.html">Member Clubs &amp; Affiliates</A> <A href="http://www.azautohobbyist.com/MainPhotoGallerypage.html">Photo Gallery</A> &nbsp;<A href="http://www.desertcruisers.com/blog/">Blog-Auto Topics</A></TD></TR> <TR> <TD bgColor=#cccc99> <DIV align=left><IMG border=0 hspace=0 src="http://www.azautohobbyist.com/images/11px_beige_rnd_left.gif" width=11 height=11></DIV></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD> <TD width=580 colSpan=2> <TABLE id=contentsection border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR vAlign=top> <TD id=body> &nbsp; Very Urgent U.S. Motorist Alert Oppose New Federal Vehicle Scrappage Program Program Will Spend $8 Billion Tax-Dollars To Crush 4 Million Vehicles Of All Ages, Just To Spur New Car Sales S-247 Will Scrap Vehicles That Get 18mpg or Less &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In January 2009, vehicle enthusiasts contacted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca) to oppose a nationwide "Cash for Clunkers" program in the upcoming Obama economic stimulus package and it was removed from the U.S. House version. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Now, some lawmakers want to include an even bigger vehicle scrappage program in the U.S. Senate version of this same economic stimulus bill to be voted on sometime in February. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This legislation, S-247, would give $8 billion in tax-dollars to consumers who surrender their "gas guzzlers" to have them crushed. This law must be stopped!!! &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remember, it was not too long ago that lawmakers wanted to scrap older cars for air pollution reasons. Those laws only failed because vehicle hobbyists and motorists like yourselves spoke up against them. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; S-247, the proposed "Accelerated Retirement of Inefficient Vehicles Act" is a new version of the same old Cash for Clunkers program. This time, instead of focusing on just older cars, this program would target all years of vehicles with lower fuel economy ratings. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; These misguided lawmakers want to crush any year or model of vehicle that gets less than 18 mpg. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Participants would receive cash from the government of up to $4,500 based on the model year scrapped and whether the replacement vehicle was a new car or a more fuel-efficient 2004 or newer used car or motorcycle. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Fuel-efficient" is defined as getting at least 25% better mileage then the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) target for its vehicle class. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Seriously folks, these lawmakers want to use $8 billion of our tax-dollars to indiscriminately scrap millions of vehicles ranging anywhere from 2008 Hummers back to 1908 Model T's. They want to crush any vehicle that gets less than 18 mpg. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All this is being done with the hope of increasing newer car sales. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vehicles targeted for the scrap pile will likely include Chevy Silverado &amp; S-10 Pickups, Chevy Blazers, Tahoes &amp; Suburban SUV's, Chevy Vans, Corvettes, Camaros, Chevelles &amp; Malibus, Dodge Vipers, Dodge SUV's &amp; Vans, Dodge Dakota &amp; Ram Pickups, Ford SUV's &amp; Vans, Ford F-Series &amp; Ranger Pickups, Jeep Cherokees &amp; Wranglers, Buick's, Pontiac's, Cadillac's, Lincoln's, and Mercedes', etc., etc., etc. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All the way through the automotive alphabet, from Alphas to Zimmers, gas-hog's of all ages will be hunted down and destroyed if S-247 is allowed to pass into law. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It would also be illegal to resell these scrapped vehicles once surrendered. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It is estimated that over 6 million used pickups, SUV's, high performance cars, large displacement motorcycles and collectable vehicles of all years and models would be crushed over the next four years in this twisted attempt to spur newer car sales. It will be a vehicular holocaust. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; * (Please note that Webster's dictionary defines "holocaust" as "widespread or complete destruction," so this is a correct use of the word.) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One can only imagine how Government sponsored propaganda campaign's will begin to urge vehicle owners to do their "patriotic duty" and "voluntarily" surrender their gas-guzzlers to be crushed to help our nations sagging economy. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Also, I think we all know that "voluntary" could very easily become "mandatory" if some left-wing lawmakers and extreme environmentalists have their way. S-247 is just the beginning of a downward spiral for older vehicles. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Older cars and large displacement motorcycles will then be looked upon as detrimental to our economy and environment. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Car hobbyists and motorcyclists will be labeled as selfish and be given the thumbs-down as they drive down the street instead of the thumbs-up that they used to get. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once older cars and full-size motorcycles are labeled gas-guzzlers and gross-polluters by S-247. They will begin to be forced to meet tougher emission and CAFE standards, pay carbon-taxes and even be the subject of federal vehicle registration lists that will keep track of and regulate the use of these now undesirable vehicles. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One only has to look to Japan to see just how easily the government can tax and regulate motorists to scrap their vehicles before they reach 6 years old. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Believe me, our beloved car and motorcycle hobby will never be the same, and we will all be disproportionately affected by S-247. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This scheme is the mother of all vehicle scrappage programs and must be stopped. Our Senators need to scrap this irrational and illogical idea. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We all know that President Obama's economic stimulus package will surely pass in the near future. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to the future of our beloved vehicle hobby that S-247 is not included in that economic stimulus package. &nbsp;&nbsp; Please Contact U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein (D-Ca) IMMEDIATELY to say you Oppose S-247. &nbsp;&nbsp; Call (202) 224-3841 and leave a short voice message simply saying you oppose S-247 in the proposed economic stimulus package. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Also, you don't have to leave your name, but please give your "Zip Code" so they know what part of the U.S. you live in. That's all you need to do. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's as simple as that. Just tell her to say No to S-247. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; You can also say why you oppose S-247 if you wish. The important thing is that you make that quick call. It will only take you 2 minutes, but it means so much to the future of our beloved vehicle hobby. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If Senator Finestein's Washington DC office phone is constantly busy, you can fax her at (202) 228-3954, or just leave a voice message at one of her 4 California branch offices; in San Francisco (415) 393-0707, Los Angeles (310) 914-7300, San Diego (619) 231-9712, or Fresno (559) 485-7430. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; You can also send her an e-mail opposing S-247 at: <A href="http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactUs.EmailMe" target=_blank>http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactUs.EmailMe</A>. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I wrote: "Dear Senator Finestein, &nbsp;&nbsp; Please don't support S-247 which is the 'Accelerated Retirement of Inefficient Vehicles Act.' I feel that a government sponsored vehicular holocaust is an inappropriate use of taxpayer dollars. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; S-247 is a misguided attempt to spur newer car sales and does not achieve verifiable fuel economy or air quality benefits. Please, just say No to S-247. Thank you, Bill Gilmore, Phoenix Az. 85015." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Besides sending Senator Finestein this e-mail, I left a message at all 5 of her offices opposing S-247 just to make sure she gets the point, and you might too. Please Help Stop S-247. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I have listed some of my own talking points below as well as some edited points suggested by SEMA at: <A href="http://www.semasan.com/" target=_blank>www.semasan.com</A>. Feel free to use any or all of these arguments and you can cut and paste them into your e-mail opposing S-247 too. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I have also attached a 1-page flyer to this e-mail alert that I made in Microsoft Word that you can download to use in your clubs newsletter or to hand out as a flyer. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Let's spread the word about S-247. Please forward this e-mail alert to all of your friends, family and fellow vehicle enthusiasts nationwide. Ask them to call Senator Finestein and just say no to S-247's vehicular holocaust. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The important thing here is that we all oppose S-247 before it becomes law and is too late to stop. The future of our beloved vehicle hobby depends on S-247 not being included in that economic stimulus package. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Freedom is not free, you must speak up if you want our hobby to remain free of negative laws. Remember, it's "United We Drive and Divided We Park." S-247 Talking Points The Top 12 Reasons to Just Say No to S-247 Oppose the Use of Taxpayer Dollars for Accelerated Vehicle Retirement Plans &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - I am calling/writing to urge Senator Finestein not to support S-247 which is the "Accelerated Retirement of Inefficient Vehicles Act." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - I feel that a government sponsored vehicular holocaust is an inappropriate use of taxpayer dollars. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - This is a misguided attempt to spur newer car sales and claim that the country's fleet fuel mileage is being improved. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - This program is not cost-effective and does not achieve verifiable fuel economy or air quality benefits. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - Every accelerated vehicle retirement program is flawed because 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 or emissions. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - S-247 will also compete with lots of charities that rely on vehicle donations to raise money. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - Any vehicle scrappage program threatens collectors and enthusiasts nationwide with the loss of valuable parts and parts-cars for repair, restoration, and customization projects. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - You just can't indiscriminately crush our American heritage and cultural icons. Who'd have ever guessed that Pacer's and Gremlin's would have become collectable? &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - S-247 will reduce the number of vehicles available for low-income individuals too, and increase the cost of the remaining vehicles and repair parts. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - This program also fails to acknowledge owner needs, such as the ability to transport a family, tow a trailer or rely upon the safety and utility features associated with larger vehicles. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - The idea that pickup trucks and SUV's must be scrapped in order to save energy is irrational and illogical. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - This program's "carbon footprint" does not factor in the amount of energy and natural resources expended in manufacturing the existing car, spent scrapping it and in the manufacturing of a replacement car. * * * * &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alert Footnotes; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; * The above legislative alert on S-247 was written, edited and sent by long-time Arizona vehicle rights activist and senior collector car appraiser Bill Gilmore at Automotive Research Services in Phoenix. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bill is also willing to answer your automotive legislative questions and is available to speak to your club on current automotive legislative issues. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ** If your not yet on Bill's automotive legislative alert mailing list, please send a e-mail to Bill to have your e-mail address added to his list for e-mail updates on upcoming laws and issues that will seriously affect the future of our beloved vehicle hobby. This list is only for vehicle hobby news and never given to third parties for commercial use. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; E-mail Bill Gilmore at: <A href="mailto:AzCarCrazy@aol.com" target=_blank>AzCarCrazy@aol.com</A>, or call Bill at Automotive Research Services at (602) 230-7111 or fax him at (602) 230-7282. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *** Also, SEMA requests that you please send a copy of your e-mail to Sen. Feinstein to <A href="mailto:briand@sema.org" target=_blank>briand@sema.org</A>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
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