Clunker cars program and pollution

Last week commentor's position on the flow of Clunk argued that the new expanded program better than others because of state subsidies its positive effects on the environment. So I have some 'research and it seems that the "green" benefits of this program may be wild exaggeration.

It 'was a good summary of these modest results in the "Washington Post" on Sunday by researchers Lee Schipper, Joel Mehler, Brian Gould, and Chris Ganson. And others, the conclusion that net earnings for the program are very low Clunk.
It 'true that, until now, the car, under the program was a little' less miles per gallon of Classical Age, vehicles, and vehicles purchased under the program, approximately 10% more efficient than auto d 'bought time this year. It 'a good thing.

However, as my colleague Bob Williams and others have stressed the need for new cars, old car. Much more. On average, the party is given a new car is 25% more than 10 years, an old vehicle, and two times more than 14 years, a Clunk. Not so good.

Therefore, new cars more miles per gallon, but because they are still a lot, they drink almost as many gallons. Net-net, from friends and Schipper, CO2 emissions by a measurable just 0.04%.
Others noted the cost of the construction of new passenger cars and suggested that if a clean transport, the true goal of the program, would be the end of the purchase of the model energy efficient. But they are not eligible.
Finally, the program rewards owners and energy inefficient cars and the purchaser of the fuel on. Instead of a fuel subsidy for the new car, would be the effect, the program, instead of links on new car MPG increase over the previous vehicle. It subsidizes marginal for small SUVs, vans and pick-up for cars, to encourage the purchase of containers of fuel.

Thus, a new car for the entire $ 4500 credit, if his period of at least 10 MPG better than Clunk. But an SUV full of credit may include, if not 2 MPG better than the trade in car. Not a real program to focus green that, in this way.
Conclusion: The Clunk trade in new cars can easily reduce. But the program is far from being environmentally friendly way to spend 3 billion dollars. Let's face it, this program is largely for the purchase of new vehicles which are not the reduction of greenhouse gases.