A program known as ‘cash for clunkers’ is being considered for inclusion in the Senate stimulus package to make the U.S. auto fleet more fuel-efficient and stimulate demand for new, cleaner cars. Will the older vehicles will be scrapped or resold?
"U.S. auto industry lobbyists and lawmakers are discussing a proposal to give consumers as much as $4,500 in government vouchers to replace older cars with more fuel-efficient vehicles.
The so-called cash-for-clunkers proposal may not win enough support to be added to $819 billion stimulus legislation that passed the U.S. House and will come before the Senate, Alan Reuther, legislative director of the United Auto Workers union, said in an interview (Jan 30).
The scrapping incentive is opposed by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, a group of 7,358 companies that includes firms making and selling parts for older vehicles.
'We've got thousands and thousands of American jobs here that generate millions of dollars,' said Stuart Gosswein, director of regulatory affairs for the Diamond Bar, California- based group. 'Those jobs are threatened.'
The group instead supports a voucher or tax credit without the scrapping incentive, Gosswein said."
From Feinstein Press Release:
"A measure introduced (Jan. 14) by U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) would establish a national voucher program to enable and encourage drivers to voluntarily trade in their older, less fuel efficient car, truck or SUV for a more fuel efficient vehicle."
Thanks to Mark Boshnack
FULL STORY: Cash-for-Clunkers Weighed by Automakers, Lawmakers

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie