Bennett Proposes Tax Credit to Purchase Any Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Whether you choose a hybrid, a natural gas-powered car or some other fuel-efficient mode of transport, Utah Senator Bob Bennett wants to give you a tax credit:

"We need to find new and innovative ways to conserve energy," says Bennett. "I think the best way to do that is to empower consumers to choose energy efficient products. The proposed tax credit will open the door to encourage consumers to purchase whatever kind of fuel efficient vehicles they want - not just hybrids."

Bennett and fellow Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon re-introduced their OILSAVE act last week, building on already available incentives for hybrid cars. Consumers who buy vehicles that are at least 25 percent more fuel efficient than the current federal fuel economy standard will get a credit of at least 630 dollars. The most fuel-efficient models could qualify for a credit up to 18-hundred dollars. Brent Singleton of the Utah Clean Cities Coalition thinks most people who buy fuel-efficient cars are already motivated by the hope of saving money on gas.

"This is almost a "win more" tax credit because it's making people - who already have incentives to go buy these vehicles to save money on gas and to save the environment - to go and buy these vehicles," says Singleton.

Bennett and Wyden are hoping to have their tax credit proposal included in the energy bill the U.S. Senate is currently debating.

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