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Article
The "Cash for Clunkers" Program: A Sustainability Evaluation
University of Toledo Law Review (2011)
  • Marianne Tyrrell, Vermont Law School
  • John C. Dernbach
Abstract

This article describes and evaluates the effectiveness of the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009, also known as the “Cash for Clunkers” legislation. Under this law, Congress authorized persons trading in older and less fuel-efficient motor vehicles for newer and more fuel-efficient vehicles to receive a voucher worth up to $4,500 toward the purchase of the new vehicle. The article reviews various studies assessing the effectiveness of this legislation based on economic, social, and environmental criteria. Because these criteria are consistent with the goals of sustainable development, the legislation provides important lessons for future efforts to achieve sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Keywords
  • energy efficiency,
  • energy conservation,
  • climate change,
  • sustainable development,
  • sustainability,
  • energy consumption,
  • greenhouse gas emissions,
  • Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act,
  • “cash for clunkers,
  • ” clunkers,
  • fuel efficiency,
  • motor vehicles
Publication Date
Winter 2011
Citation Information
Marianne Tyrrell and John C. Dernbach. "The "Cash for Clunkers" Program: A Sustainability Evaluation" University of Toledo Law Review Vol. 42 (2011)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/john_dernbach/95/