As reported in today's Globe and Mail, the federal government has just announced more than $75 million worth of funding for Car Heaven, a program that provides incentives for drivers to retire their old (pre-1995), gas-guzzling vehicles with newer, cleaner versions.
The pros? New vehicles are subject to much stronger emissions standards than in the past, meaning you'll contribute to far less smog by driving a new car – especially if it's a hybrid.
The cons? It takes a lot of energy and raw product to make a car – possibly more than what you're saving in gas – although the Globe quotes Ersilia Serafini of the Clean Air Foundation as saying that the incentives may be applicable toward bicycles and transit passes as well as new vehicles – perhaps even toward car-sharing programs.
What do you think? Is this a good program or just a lot of hot air?
