Earl Blumenauer: “for years I've been fighting to eliminate a perverse provision in the tax code that actually provided an incentive, a…”

“for years I've been fighting to eliminate a perverse provision in the tax code that actually provided an incentive, a tax break for purchasing the largest, most expensive gas guzzlers, luxury cars weighing over 6,000 pounds. This perverse incentive, hence, the nickname, the ``Hummer Loophole,'' has resisted action for change and has retained its position. This year, we have, in fact, taken action, not just to close the Hummer Loophole, but to extend benefits to lighter, more fuel-efficient cars and vans for business, while we use some of the savings to create a tax benefit for plug-in hybrids. Trading Hummers for hybrids. Another important reason to vote for the renewable energy and conservation tax package coming forward today to help us meet the most serious environmental, economic and national security challenges, help us fight global warming, and promote energy efficiency.”