The House of Representatives recently passed the so-called “clunker rebate” bill that provides robust monetary incentives to folks who upgrade from a gas guzzler to a more energy efficient vehicle. There are conditions of course (it’s a government program after all) and as of this writing it hasn’t passed through the Senate, but if it’s signed into law, some lucky car buyers may get as much as $4500 back. I think it’s a great idea, despite the fact that it rewards those who sinned against the environment in the past by driving socially irresponsible vehicles.