Re: Extend credits for efficiency, not gadgetry
Diesels would be included (as would more efficient conventional gasoline and hybrids) if they met the requirements of emissions. Right now is a transition period where diesels can't be eligible because they aren't using any exhaust aftertreatment, and they can't use most devices because of the high sulphur diesel fuel. Once there is clean fuel available then the tax incentive for diesel becomes a possibility. I don't think the idea of rewarding the purchase of the cleanest, most efficient technology is flawed... I think handing out more rewards for lesser efficiency or more polluting technology would be worse, both in terms of the "costs" and the message it sends. High standards have their place, and I think people are jumping to conclusions when they think the rewards are based on "gadgetry". The truth is more complicated.
|