First Name | Randy |
---|---|
Last Name | Clark |
Email Address | hotrods@hotrodscustomstuff.com |
Affiliation | Business Owner |
Subject | The Proposed Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program Regulation (Car Scrap). |
Comment | To: California Air Resources Board From: Hot Rods & Custom Stuff Subject: The Proposed Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program Regulation (Car Scrap). Once again, we would like to voice our opposition to proposed vehicle scrappage program increases. Not only will this proposal hurt already struggling businesses in California, it proposes to spend an additional 30 million dollars or so annually—money the state does not have. All to achieve a result based on a faulty premise, that pre-1976 vehicles produce the lion’s share of pollution in the state. It is a false premise because it assumes that all or most of these vehicles are driven on a daily basis. This is not the case except for a handful of these vehicles. Most of them are driven only to shows or on occasional weekend cruises. Our business caters to the owners of these older vehicle and we know this to be a fact. We not only perform full restorations here, we service these classic cars and speak with their owners daily. Here are some facts not in your report. 1. The restoration of one classic automobile can generate as much as $20,000 in tax revenue to the state and keep a dozen people employed for a year. 2. Many makes and models of pre-1976 autos are highly sought after collectible cars which will change hands many times, generating tax revenue in each instance. When no longer restorable, their parts are salvaged to restore others, generating more tax revenue. When these vehicles no longer have value to the industry they or their remains end up being scrapped by their owners. 3. Pre-76 California cars are among the most highly valued because, as your report states, “California’s mild climate contributes to the longer survival rates…”. In other words, they tend to be easier to restore, which generally means less rust repair which requires welding (carbon emissions). And many of these vehicles are purchased by out of state buyers where the climate is not so friendly. So, restored or not, many leave the state anyway. 4. Restoration and repair of these vehicle helps support a large after-market parts industry comprised of companies large and small. 5. Many towns, like here in Escondido, have revitalized their downtown summer business by sponsoring cruise nights that encourage locals to bring out their classic cars and show off these pieces of rolling Americana, much to the delight of local restaurants and other small business. 6. Car shows and swap meets generate large amounts of revenue which will go away when there are no more classic cars left to restore. The economic benefits of the classic car industry are many, and the environmental impacts few, when objectively analyzed. And yet, each year, CARB attempts to exercise its bureaucratic muscle and short-sightedness to put an end to the economic activity that revolves around the restoration and salvage of these vehicles. Instead, it would rather dole out millions of dollars we don’t have in order to provide the Chinese with cheap steel to build their economy (yes, that’s where most metal from the scrappers goes). We urge the board to drop this scrappage proposal. If it is truly concerned about the economy forcing people to drive older cars longer, do something about California's outrageous licensing fees, runaway taxes, and excessive regulations (environmental and otherwise), that make new cars too expensive to buy each and every year. Or perhaps CARB could focus its efforts on trying to clean up the environmental disaster it foisted on Californians in the form of MTBE as a fuel additive. Need we say more? Randy g. Clark Hot Rods & Custom Stuff 2324 Auto Park Way Escondido, CA 92029 |
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Date and Time Comment Was Submitted | 2009-06-09 12:17:19 |
If you have any questions or comments please contact Clerk of the Board at (916) 322-5594.