New Gov't Bill Will Harm Auto Enthusiasts

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
· 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.

· 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.

· 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.

· 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.

· 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.

· 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.

· 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.

TO PROTEST: 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