What Tax Break!?!

I knew the tax break had been reduced when I bought my 2008 Prius Touring in December last year, but I didn't think that it was zero! Is all the talk about greenhouse gasses & dependence upon foreign oil is a bunch of political manuvering? It set me to wondering, "Does anybody really give a flip?" As an act of personal catharsis, I wrote a letter to two U.S. Senators, and a House Rep., making the following points:

For there to be any significant difference in America's dependence upon foreign oil and significantly decrease greenhouse gases, the American himself/herself will have to do it - but what motivation is out there. Yes, I think I would have purchased my new 2008 Toyota Prius anyway; but my disappointment was extreme when I found out that the Federal Tax Credit for that car - of all cars - (the best mass-produced hybrid in the world) was $0 - big fat goose egg!

The Congress and the White House should be doing more to encourage hybrid vehicle purchases and production. To that end, I encourage you to endorse and act on the following five-step plan:

1. Broaden the federal tax credit for hybrid vehicle purchases so that popular hybrid credits do not 'FADE OUT' SO QUICKLY.

2. Create a new and additional tax incentive that provides further assistance to individuals who convert existing hybrids into plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) in order to further increase fuel efficiency and decrease oil consumption and pollution output.

3. Provide tax and other incentives to businesses that help employees to buy hybrids, particularly when such inducements are tied to corporate strategies to mitigate global warming pollution.

4. Provide U.S. automakers that commit to more hybrid vehicle research and production with major encouragement to do so, including aid with health care and other steep costs that make it tougher for American car companies to be competitive in today's global marketplace.

5. Set a target of switching over federal vehicle fleet purchases to hybrids of 10 percent for 2007, 20 percent for 2008 and 30 percent for 2009.

The benefits for Americans of promoting greater fuel efficiency through more hybrid auto purchases are clear: We can reduce dependence on Middle Eastern oil, making us more secure; we can lower the carbon emissions into the atmosphere that contribute to global warming; and we can put America's technology community to work on these important problems, creating jobs, ensuring that the U.S. leads in the development and sale of new technologies.

We need action now from Washington to get more hybrids on the road as soon as possible.

Please take steps now as my elected official to address this problem. I look forward to hearing what it is that you intend to do and when.

Sincerely,
---

To my surprise, I received a call from the office of a U.S. Senator; and the following response was left on my answering machine:

" Mr. --- , this is Katie from Senator Richard Burr's office. In response to your letter about hybrid cars - while most incentive tax credits have expired, we are in favor of renewing that, as well as other tax credits for energy efficiency such a wind, solar power for home & industry -- we’re trying to bring back the tax-incentives. Call us back at 202-224-3154."

I'm not a political activist by any stretch - but I figure that it's not a bad idea to let our lawmakers know how we feel. They're not mind readers. Thanks for letting me vent!

 

I got a response to my letter from my other U.S. Senator - Elizabeth Dole. Besides the "Thank you for expressing your concerns..." stuff, it was a rundown on the bills that she has sponsored in the general area of energy conservation. It looks like she's been pretty much at the forefront on some good legislation, including Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE), which states that cars and light trucks are to average 35mpg by the year 2020. I didn't see anything addressing my primary issue stated in my letter, (hybrid tax-incentive) so I emailed her back the following counter-response to her response. I'll let you know if there is any further corrrespondance:

Again, as I said in my letter to you which prompted your response of February 28, 2008: I believe that our use of petroleum products will continue to be controlled by the will of the public, and more specifically by his/her pocketbook. All of the legislation mentioned in your response is significant and commendable, but where the tide will turn is when the "average Joe" realizes that purchasing car "A" rather than car "B" will save him money every day the tax man comes calling. There should be significant tax advantages to that person who chooses to purchase any car which according to EPA ratings matches or exceeds the 35 mpg rate in your CAFE Amendment. There should be continuing advantages every year one drives said vehicle. THAT will capture the public's attention … will affect our vehicle selections … will snatch the attention of auto-makers … and will begin to make a difference in our use of oil, drastically decreasing our dependence upon nations with whom our relationship is fragile as best. And besides, we’ll leave a cleaner planet for our children, and we’ll slow the terrifying and very real process of global warming.

Thank you!

 

I say go for it - never hurts to let them know what you think. Congratulations on your new baby. Welcome to PC.

 

Have at it - use anything you please!