August 7, 2009

State Officials Urge Delawareans to Trade in Gas-Guzzling Vehicles for Fuel-Efficient Models

Federal CARS initiative helps our economy while protecting our environment

WILMINGTON - Governor Jack Markell and other state officials encouraged Delawareans today to trade their gas-guzzling vehicles in for more fuel-efficient models under the federal Car Allowance Rebate System. Utilizing the credit available through the federal Recovery Act, Markell said, will give a boost to Delaware's economy by helping auto dealers and help our environment by reducing harmful emissions.
 
“The ‘Cash for Clunkers' program shows we grow our economy while also doing something good for the environment," Markell said. "Environmental protection must be at the center of our economic development efforts. That's why my administration championed a bold energy agenda this year that will create jobs while increasing our use of alternative energy and increasing our conservation efforts."
 
Markell added that "by encouraging Delawareans to turn in their poor fuel-economy vehicles and replace with more fuel-efficient models, we can ensure that these gas-guzzling cars are taken off the streets for good. This program will spur purchases of new cars that will stimulate the automobile industry in the state and create jobs while consuming less gasoline.”
 
Alan Levin, Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office, said “trading in less fuel efficient vehicles for more efficient cars boosts local auto sales at a time when Delaware auto dealers need it the most.”
 
Secretary of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Collin O’Mara explained that cars and trucks are the single largest source of volatile organic compounds that mix with other chemicals during hot, still, sunny summer days to form ground-level ozone, which can be harmful to humans.
 
“Getting older, inefficient, higher polluting vehicles off the road can help Delaware achieve its goals for better air quality while helping our economy,” O’Mara added.
 
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Delaware auto dealers have requested more than $1.5 million reimbursement through the CARS program, and that number is expected to increase significantly now that the U.S. Senate has extended the program.
 
“The Division of Motor Vehicles’ goals of promoting safety on the highway and cleaner air are being promoted by the cash for clunkers program,” said DMV Director Jennifer Cohan. “Delawareans are turning in their older vehicles that were manufactured to less stringent emissions and safety standards and they are purchasing safer and more efficient vehicles.”