Texas Program Helps Motorists 'Trade Up' To Lower Pollution

"A clean-air bill aimed at removing 50,000 polluting vehicles from state roadways by subsidizing more Texans to buy newer models won unanimous approval in the Texas Senate on Wednesday.

Senate Bill 12 by Sen. Kip Averitt, R-Waco, is part of an effort to bring the greater Houston and Dallas areas into compliance with the federal Clean Air Act.

The Senate's proposed state budget would back the effort with $440 million in emissions-reduction funding - a $170 million increase over the next two years."

"...A family of four with a $60,000 annual income or less could qualify for a $2,500 grant toward a new car or a $3,500 grant for a hybrid."

"Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, added an amendment that would include purchases of late-model used cars, but the details are still to be worked out. The law also retains repair grants of $600 to help vehicles meet pollution standards."