jack hidary's blog

Live from the Inauguration

Here in front of the Capitol in the early morning.  It is a clear day but chilly.   The sun is just now shining through a patch of clouds. 

 There is a quiet majesty in the early hours to witness the hundreds of thousands that have already assembled in front of the Capitol and spreading across the mall to the monument.

 Anticipation....

Bono!

U2 just took the stage here at the inauguration concert at the Lincoln Memorial. There must be more than 1 million people here.

Fuel Efficiency: Feinstein, Collins and Schumer Intro "Cash for Clunkers" Bill

Measure Introduced by Senators Feinstein, Collins, and Schumer Would Establish National Incentive Program for Voluntary Retirement of Fuel-Inefficient Vehicles

Washington, DC – A measure introduced today by U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) would establish a national voucher program to enable and encourage drivers to voluntarily trade in their older, less fuel efficient car, truck or SUV for a more fuel efficient vehicle.

Specifically, the so-called “Cash for Clunkers” program would reimburse drivers with a credit of $2,500 to $4,500 for drivers who turn in fuel-inefficient vehicles to be scrapped, and purchase a more fuel efficient vehicle. The traded-in vehicles must have a fuel economy of no more than 18 miles per gallon, be in drivable condition, and have been registered for at least the past 120 days. Vouchers could also be redeemed for transit fares for participating local public transportation agencies. The program would operate for four years, from 2009 – 2012, and is expected to encourage the early retirement of up to one million vehicles per year.

 “Last Congress, we successfully enacted legislation – which I authored with Senator Snowe and others – to improve the fuel efficiency of America’s fleet of new cars, trucks and SUVs by at least 10 miles per gallon over 10 years. But we face real challenges with trying to encourage drivers to trade in their older, less fuel efficient vehicles – particularly in this tough economic climate,” Senator Feinstein said.