Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In

The Obama administration plans to close the door on the politically popular and environmentally slipshod auto trade-in program known as "cash for clunkers," according to a report this afternoon in the Wall Street Journal:

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Wednesday he would disclosewithin two days updated figures on the program, including how much ofthe $3 billion in funding was left. He said he would also offer ablueprint for how the administration will wind down the program toensure all vouchers issued by dealers are reimbursed by the governmentbefore the money runs out.

"They're going to get their money," Mr. LaHood said, responding todealers' complaints of payment delays. "There will be no car dealerthat won't be reimbursed."

Auto dealers have submitted claims to about $1.8 billion of the program's taxpayer-funded rebates, which represents 435,102 vehicle purchases, according to data released today by the U.S. DOT.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday’s Headlines Got DOGE’d Again

Amidst uncertainty about future federal funding, Amtrak is cutting $100 million and 450 jobs.

May 9, 2025

Friday Video: Where Was the First Public Bus Route in the World?

...and which surprising historical figure helped launch it?

May 9, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: ‘Normal’ is Not Correct, Someone Died Here

After a crash, the debris is quickly cleaned up and everyone moves on (usually too quickly). But these two experts are asking us to all slow down.

May 8, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines Are Not Gonna Pay a Lot for This Truck

President Trump's tariffs, along with rising insurance costs, are driving down Americans' interest in owning a car.

May 8, 2025

How One Suburb is Using Transit to Transform Into a True City

A Washington State suburb may be poised to evolve into a true transit-oriented hub – and offer lessons for other bedroom communities, even during an anti-transit era.

May 8, 2025
See all posts