Utah Needs Some Blue and Green
It is these kinds of acts that Utah needs. Hi I am Alex Peacock a 16 year old Democratic precinct chair. I feel the need to have a change of mind here in America. I read an article the other day from the Daily Herald, a Utah paper. It stated Utah's obsession with the owning of several cars in order to get around and commute. The article had a poll with different questions, but the question that stood out the most to me went something like, "Do you think Utah needs a better public transportation system, in order to reduce greenhouse gases?" More than 56% Strongly agreed, 33% agreed, 5% said they didn't know, and less than 10% either disagreed or strongly disagreed. Yet, another question asked it they would get rid of one or more of their cars, and the numbers were almost opposite. This shows a great amount on naivety.
Plans such as the Heath Care for Hybrids Act, (HCHA) would be a great addition to this state. Not only would a plan like this boost the American automobile companies, it would be a great incentive for people to buy more enviro-friendly vehicles.
For those of you who do not know what the HCHA is let me explain.
The Big 3 automakers rightly argue that their retiree health care costs, expected to be $6.2 billion in 2006, hurt their ability to invest and compete.
The Health Care for Hybrids Act would address the unique challenges of the U.S. auto industry and reduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil at the same time. This bill would set up a voluntary program in which domestic automakers could choose to receive federal financial assistance to cover 10% of their annual legacy health care costs through 2017. The companies that participate in the program would be required to invest at least 50% of their health care savings into manufacturing fuel efficient cars, such as hybrids and advanced diesel vehicles in the United States, or helping domestic parts suppliers retool their manufacturing plants to produce advanced parts.
These investments would help domestic auto manufacturers and parts suppliers meet the growing demand for fuel efficient vehicles. More American hybrid cars also ensure that there is competition in this growing market and would also help keep car prices low.
For a copy of the actual bill, please refer to this website: Link />
Please respond here, or you can send me a personal e-mail at: blueutah@gmail.com.
AP 5/02/07
