A Texas-based association has developed a program to begin at the end of the year to get older vehicles off highways and their drivers into more environmentally friendly replacements – with a money incentive.
Although there are many stipulations, the Houston-Galveston Area Council said it is encouraging anyone who qualifies to trade in vehicles that are at least 10 years old and do not meet national air quality standards for $3,000 in compensation.
Regardless, the response from UH students has been mixed.
"I don’t think the plan is feasible considering it would mean me having a new car note, and higher car insurance," media production senior Marlon Price said. "I’m under 25, and car insurance for me is already crazy with just my old car, plus how would I be able to pay for a new car and school?"
In order to qualify, a person must earn less than $62,000 annually for a four-person household, and the possible trade-in car has to have failed a state-mandated emissions test. It can then be exchanged for a $3,000 voucher or grant towards a new car.
The new car has to be three years old or newer and must be $25,000 or less.
If a hybrid vehicle that is less than a year old is bought, the person is eligible for $3,500.
Another concern follows the rise in tuition and gas prices and whether the program will help lower-income families, pre-pharmacy sophomore Kevin Carter said.
But Carter said he does see the possible benefits.
"I think it’s a wonderful idea," he said. "I’m all for a cleaner environment, fuel efficiency and going green. However, the amounts being offered just aren’t enough to get me to trade in my ’97 Isuzu Trooper – at least not when tuition continues to rise each year. I’d much rather pay to have my car fixed than to have another expense."
For more information, contact the Houston-Galveston Area Council at (866) 237-9392 or visit www.h-gac.com.
