New law protects consumers against illegal billing practices
AARP urges families to review phone bills over the holidays
The holidays are a time of hustle and bustle – and now AARP is urging Illinoisans to add another critical item to their holiday to-do lists. As families come together for the holidays, AARP is urging people to review their phone bills, particularly bills of elderly friends, family, and neighbors, who may be paying too much — and needlessly — for phone services.
Many Illinois consumers have paid untold amounts of money for phone services or products they did not even order or authorize — a growing and illegal practice known as ‘cramming.’ However, a new Illinois law will help protect consumers against this illegal practice and will help to drive down costs for individuals in a tough economy.
“Access to affordable telephone service is critical for older adults, many of whom live alone and may not have access to other forms of communication,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois Senior State Director. “That is why it is also critical that older adults, and all consumers, be protected against illegal practices that result in wrongfully inflated phone bills.”
The law fights cramming practices by requiring third party verification on charges placed on telephone bills. Third party charges may include charges for services such as three-way calling, voicemail, and caller ID. Parties that charge for services or products on a consumer’s bill must now confirm the consumer has requested the service, and must also record the phone call. Records will also be maintained by the service provider for at least two years.
“We are urging families to take a few minutes to review their phone bills this holiday season and make sure they are not a victim of this deceptive practice,” Gallo added.
If you feel that you have been charged unfairly for telephone services, please contact your telephone service provider. You may also contact the Illinois Attorney General’s Senior Citizens Consumer Fraud Hotline at 1-800-243-5377, or 1-800-964-3013 (TTY).
Source: AARP Illinois
Economy and public health will benefit if clean car standards are well-designed, Group testifies
EPA Urged to Revise Proposed Zero Emission Rate for Electric Plug-In Vehicles
California’s and the nation’s economy and environment will reap significant benefits – and avoid costly impacts – if proposed federal standards to establish national vehicle greenhouse gas and fuel economy standards for new cars and trucks sold in the United States “are rigorous and well-designed.” That was the testimony by a policy specialist from Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) at the third and final hearing on the proposed rulemaking for the standards held by EPA and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
“The fundamental promise of the presidential accord – and the bedrock responsibility for the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation in finalizing the proposed standards – is to achieve profound and lasting progress in national security, climate stability and economic opportunity,” testified Erica Fick, clean energy fellow for Environmental Defense Fund. “Consumers should save an estimated $3,000 over the life of each of these cleaner vehicles. We respectfully request that federal policy-makers finalize rigorous and protective standards to ensure the promise of the president’s compact is realized.”
To establish one well-designed policy, EDF challenged the EPA to reconsider how it approaches accounting for greenhouse gas emissions resulting from generating electricity to power plug-in vehicles.
“The EPA’s proposal to assign a zero greenhouse gas emission rate for the electric portion of plug-in electric vehicles seriously misses the mark,” added Fick. “EPA must ensure that the pollution associated with the upstream electricity generation that powers plug-in vehicles is fully accounted for in the emissions assigned to these vehicles.”
The proposed federal standards – based on California’s clean car law – would apply to new model year 2012 to 2016 vehicles and reduce global warming pollution from transportation nationally by an estimated 21 percent by 2030. Transportation is a major sector of emissions that accounts for about 20 percent of all greenhouse gases nationwide.
The standards would apply to vehicles that are responsible for about 40 percent of all U.S. oil consumption and, if approved, would reduce consumption of oil by 1.8 billion barrels while achieving a five percent annual improvement in fuel efficiency for the nation’s passenger vehicle fleet.
Fick noted that California has more than 30 million registered vehicles that are a major contributor to global warming pollution in the state. California’s coastline spans more than 1,000 miles, and 70 percent of California’s population lives within 60 miles of the coast. Recent analysis predicts a 1.4 meter rise in sea level by 2100 putting 480,000 people at risk. Global warming is likely to make water management more difficult, contentious and expensive by disrupting snowmelt patterns that provide drinking water for over 20 million Californians and irrigation water for California’s $30 billion agricultural industry. Heat waves are projected to become longer, hotter, and more frequent, leading to more heat-related deaths. Hotter and drier weather also will lead to harmful wildfires that threaten lives and property.
When finalized and carried out, the standards will have important societal benefits, Fick testified. They include breaking our nation’s addiction to foreign oil, encouraging domestic clean energy technologies that will lead the way in the 21st century global marketplace, and significantly reducing the global warming pollution that imperils our planet and will harm our economy. Fick said the proposal represents an important step forward in addressing the grim impacts of a changing climate, but she cautioned that to secure these critical benefits, the final standards must be rigorous and well designed by:
– Accounting for Societal Benefits of Protective Action: To maximize benefits, it is essential to fully account for extraordinary and far-reaching protections that result from reducing emissions. The full range of environmental, social, and economic impacts of emissions should be factored in when calculating carbon’s societal costs and co-benefits of the proposed standards – such as health benefits from reductions in smog-forming air pollutants – must be incorporated in economic analysis, which must also account for catastrophic impacts. The final rule must reflect this through appropriate economic assumptions and use of ethical considerations beyond the scope of economic analysis alone.
– Ensuring Fleet Mix Assumptions. Reductions to be realized by these standards are dependent on assumptions about fleet composition in
model years 2012-2016. EDF urges federal policymakers to find ways to ensure fleet mix assumptions reflect real-world fleet composition.
– Preparing for model year 2017 and beyond. The standards apply to model years 2012 through 2016. EDF urges the EPA to begin work as soon as possible to prepare standards for model year 2017 and beyond.
Information about the clean car standards rulemaking can be found at: www.epa.gov/otaq/climate/regulations.htm.
Source: Environmental Defense Fund
New survey: Food banks struggle as economic woes and record unemployment send many Americans in search of food
Increasing Demand Driven By First-Time Users
Food banks across the nation report that the current recession and the continuing rise in unemployment are having a profound effect on their ability to feed millions of Americans living at risk of hunger, according to a new survey released today by Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief charity.
The increase is nearly universal — 99 percent of all participating food banks reported a significant surge in demand for emergency food assistance over the past year.
The hardest hit areas include Asheville, North Carolina; Fort Myers, Florida; Kansas City, Missouri; Minneapolis; and food banks in South Carolina, Mississippi and Colorado.
Food banks report that the increase is particularly driven by first-time users of the food assistance system (98 percent of food banks) and more people who have recently lost their jobs (92 percent).
More than half (56 percent) of food banks reported that they are seeing more children as clients.
“It’s becoming increasingly difficult for many food banks and their agencies to meet the needs of their clients, especially when new clients arrive all the time,” said Vicki Escarra, president and C.E.O. of Feeding America. “This is especially sobering when you consider that our network of 205 food banks delivered a record-breaking amount of food and groceries this past year — more than 2.6 billion pounds between July 2008 and June 2009 — which was an increase of 21.4 percent over the previous year.”
“More and more families are waiting in lines overnight, coming out in high heat, or traveling long distances in rural America just to get a meal or a box of food. The humbling reality for many of these Americans is that they have never had to rely on emergency food assistance before, and they never dreamed they would find themselves in this situation,” Escarra said.
More than half (55%) of food banks reported that they or the agencies who help distribute the food they provide have had to turn people away in the last year.
The survey showed an average increase of 30 percent in requests for emergency food assistance since July 2008, with increases ranging from 5 percent to more than 100 percent.
More than 175 Feeding America food banks responded to the survey, which collected information about the economic challenges faced by the nation’s food assistance network, and the ability of food banks, soup kitchens, emergency shelters and other providers to respond to the need.
“While local economic circumstances, like plant closings, can have a significant impact on food banks, the most critical change we’ve seen over the past year in the ability of low-income families to put food on the table is a shift from the challenges of increasing food and fuel costs to unemployment and underemployment,” said Escarra. “We frequently hear stories from around the country that people who once donated to food banks are now waiting in lines as clients.”
“Even in areas where food banks have reported more support in food and funds, they almost universally report that the need is outpacing the availability of resources,” said Escarra. “Most economists project that unemployment lags the return of economic stability following a recession by one to two years. This means that the incredible strain on the nation’s charitable food assistance network is not likely to dissipate any time in the foreseeable future.”
Additionally, participation in the Supplemental Food Assistance Program (SNAP formerly the Food Stamp Program), the largest of the nation’s federal nutrition programs, reached an all-time record of 35 million recipients in June 2008 — a 22 percent increase over a year prior. Child nutrition programs are currently set to expire on Sept. 30, 2009, and Congress will be considering whether to extend current levels of funding or increase funding in the coming weeks.
“This survey underscores the importance of Congress providing more funding for Child Nutrition programs this fall and supporting President Obama’s pledge to end child hunger by 2015,” said Escarra. “It is both tragic and unacceptable for anyone in this nation to go hungry, but we are especially concerned for the 12 million children living in food insecure households and suffering long term consequences as a result. Recent research has shown that children in food insecure households have difficulty learning and are less likely to become healthy, productive members of our society.”
Food banks also reported in the survey that increased support through federal nutrition programs, including through the recent American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, have provided vital support to their local efforts. Among food banks that distribute The Emergency Food Assistance Program, USDA’s commodity program intended to help feed low-income Americans, 92 percent said the increase in food from the federal government has been very important to their capacity to meet the growing need. Additionally, half of the food banks cited recent increases in benefits from the SNAP (formerly the Food Stamp Program) as being very important to clients in their service area.
“As Congress and the Administration balance a very daunting list of priorities to jumpstart our economy, I hope that they will continue to remember the poor and near poor who suffer the most,” said Escarra. “We are deeply grateful for the support our food banks and clients have seen from the federal government this year, but it is important to acknowledge that millions of people still are continuing to face extraordinarily difficult times.”
For complete details on Feeding America’s “Economic Impact Survey” including anecdotes from across the nation, please visit http://feedingamerica.org/newsroom/local-impact-study.aspx .
Source: Feeding America
Americans buying smaller engines; see turbocharging as fuel efficient solution
‘Cash for Clunkers’ Reveals Preference for Smaller Gas Engines; New Study Shows Awareness of Turbo Benefits Creates Dramatic Shift in Americans’ Buying Behavior
As American consumers shift their buying behavior towards more fuel efficient vehicles, turbocharging — already in use by roughly half of new vehicles in Europe — has emerged as the engine technology U.S. consumers “didn’t know they wanted.”
In a study of U.S. consumers released today by Honeywell, more than half of those who plan to purchase a vehicle in the next two years believe fuel efficiency is more important than it was during their last vehicle purchase. The study also found that more than 80% of American consumers were more likely to consider purchasing a turbocharged vehicle after learning that the readily available turbocharger helps to increase the fuel efficiency of a gas engine by up to 20% without sacrificing performance or reliability.
While Americans’ prioritization of fuel efficiency is new, their actual purchase preferences are not. According to the Department of Transportation, nine out of the ten most popular vehicles purchased in the recent ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program were equipped with smaller and more fuel-efficient versions of conventional technology engines.
“The success of the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program shows that a consumer appetite exists for fuel efficient options on traditional engine platforms that don’t sacrifice the power, reliability and price that Americans demand,” said David Paja, Vice President, Marketing for Honeywell Turbo Technologies. “For that reason, almost every major automaker has announced plans to broadly introduce turbocharged engines to the U.S. market in the coming years. We anticipate demand for gas and diesel turbocharged engines in the U.S. market may increase from 5% today to 25% by 2014 and could top 85% by 2020.”
The Honeywell study showed that while 90% of Americans had heard of turbochargers, just over half were familiar with the technology and only 36% of those people said they would consider purchasing a turbocharged vehicle. But that number jumped to over 80% when information was shared about the benefits of turbocharging. Specifically:
– Fuel efficiency, reliability and overall cost (compared to hybrid engines) were the top reasons U.S. consumers would consider buying a turbocharged vehicle.
– While 96% of Americans are familiar with hybrid technology, 84% of those same consumers said they would consider buying a turbo vehicle based on cost savings versus hybrids.
– Nine in ten U.S. consumers said they are more likely to consider buying a turbocharged vehicle after learning it increases fuel efficiency of a gas engine by up to 20% without sacrificing performance.
– 84% of Americans said they were more likely to consider a turbocharged engine when told the engines have a proven reliability track record and are now tested to last 150,000 miles or ten years.
Survey Methodology:
The survey was conducted during a one week period in August 2009. Approximately 1,000 random telephone interviews took place across the United States. Demographic weights were applied to ensure the sample accurately reflected the total population of the of U.S. adults. The survey is available by request for review.
Source: Honeywell Transportation Systems
New survey reveals effects of current economic condition on Americans relationships
Expert Shares Advice for Putting the ‘Spark’ Back into Your Relationships
No doubt about it, the economic downturn has definitely put a strain on most Americans’ pocketbooks, but according to a new survey(i), it is also having an effect on Americans’ personal relationships, changing how they keep them fresh and healthy.
While Americans seemingly value their partnerships with others, most aren’t going the extra mile to help keep the spark alive. In fact, 78 percent of adults surveyed said they now spend about the same or less time and effort maintaining their relationship with their significant other compared to before the economy turned. In a society where the divorce rate hovers near 50 percent(ii), even in more fruitful economic times, it pays to invest a little extra time and effort towards life’s significant relationships.
Beyond the unions that Americans have with their significant others, consumers spend a large portion of their lives in relationships with valued objects – like the ones they have with their cars. In fact, on average, Americans spend more than 900 hours a year in their cars(iii). Although the economic strain affects each of these relationships differently, the survey revealed that the strain Americans experience with their significant others is similarly reflected in their relationships with their vehicles.
Nearly four out of five survey respondents said that they still love driving their vehicles, and an equal number said they may keep their cars longer than originally expected given the current economic conditions. However, only one out of 10 said they now spend more time maintaining their cars compared to before the economy turned. Similarly, a mere two out of 10 said they are spending more time on their personal relationships now than before the economy turned.
Relationship expert and psychotherapist, Dr. Robi Ludwig says that during tough financial times, consumers are prone to revisit their existing partnerships and assets and may discover that they have taken things for granted over time.
“In the beginning of any relationship, people and objects are often looked at through rose-colored glasses,” says Dr. Ludwig. “There is an illusion that the things we rely on and care about will always be there and work for us.”
According to Dr. Ludwig, our lives are made up of a series of relationships that are just as dependant on us as we are on them and they all require unconditional love, time and attention.
“Over the course of time, it’s important that we embrace the realities and flaws of our existing relationships, focus on their strengths and embrace the fact that the little things we do go a long way,” says Dr. Ludwig.
To help Americans put “the spark” back into their valued relationships- whether it’s with their significant others, vehicles, or both, Dr. Ludwig offers some simple tips to help keep them running younger for longer – without combusting your time or your wallet.
Renew your vow to love your partner unconditionally. According to the BP ‘Renew Your Vows and Valves Survey,’ less than 10 percent of the married adults surveyed have taken the time to renew their vows. Dr. Ludwig insists that you don’t have to walk down the aisle again to recite your vows – a simple “I love you” says it all. Or rewrite your vows on a piece of paper and recite them to each other over dinner.
Be thoughtful and supportive. If you know your significant other is running late for work, start their car for them in the morning. This is especially nice during the colder months. Compliments and daily greetings are also appreciated.
Ditch the mobile devices every now and then. Set aside some time to spend together, whether it’s over coffee in the morning, or taking a leisurely drive in the evening to wind down – and leave your cell phones, laptops and other mobile devices out of the equation to allow for decent conversation.
Record important relationship-related dates in your calendar. Be mindful of your anniversary date or your partner’s birthday and extend a thoughtful gesture, without breaking the bank. According to the survey, 55 percent of adults will spend less money this year on birthday or anniversary gifts as a result of the economic crisis. Instead of a big ‘to-do,’ cook dinner or write a home-made love note.
Seventy-three percent of those surveyed said they felt excited, proud or accomplished when they first purchased their car. Dr. Ludwig points out that Americans are reliant on a car for the pragmatics and enjoyments of life, but that same car is not going to continue working for them in the long run without proper care in the short-term.
“While your significant other relies on you to love them unconditionally, a car relies on you for regular check-ups and maintenance too,” says Dr. Ludwig. “That means that just as you renew your ‘vows’ or commitment to your significant other, it also pays to renew your ‘vows,’ or in this case, ‘valves’ with your vehicle.”
Nearly 80 percent of survey respondents said that given the current state of the economy, they may keep their cars longer than originally expected; and overall, a relationship with a car is a long-term investment for most of those surveyed (68 percent plan on keeping their vehicle for more than five years). But despite the desire for longevity, 90 percent of adults surveyed said they spend the same or less time maintaining their cars compared to before the economy turned.
However, by following a few simple tips from BP, Americans can pledge their love to their cars and vow to help them run younger for longer.
Run your car through a neighborhood car wash once a week. Dust, debris, salt and sludge can accumulate on the outside of your vehicle throughout the year. Taking your car through a car wash will protect the paint and keep it looking shiny and clean.
Check the air pressure in your tires each season. Remember to inspect tread depth and sidewalls for hairline cracks or any signs of deterioration. Be sure to replace your tires when the tread wears down to 1/16 of an inch.
Fill up with a quality fuel. At the pump, be sure to fill up with a quality fuel like BP gasoline with Invigorate to help your car run younger for longer .
Replenish fluids. To ensure a smoother ride, check the level of all your car’s fluids weekly and replenish when needed.
(i) The survey interviewed 1,001 adults ages 30 – 59 living in the United States, who own or lease a car and are married, partnered or living with a significant other. The survey was conducted during a four-day period starting July 30, 2009 by Richard Day Research. The margin of error for a random sample of this size is +/- 3 percent at the 95 percent confidence level
(ii) Divorcerate.org. “It is frequently reported that the divorce rate in America is 50%. This data is not accurately correct, however, it is reasonably close to actual. The Americans for Divorce Reform estimates that ‘Probably, 40 or possibly even 50 percent of marriages will end in divorce if current trends continue.’ which is actually a projection.”
(iii) 2003 Arbitron In-Car Survey conducted by Edison Media Research
Source: BP
Inventor of green catalysts offers solutions for cleaning toxins and pollutants in the environment
Dr. Terrence Collins Offers Public Lecture on Growing Field of Green Chemistry September 15 at UC Berkeley Campus
Consumer concerns over hazardous chemicals in the air and water have led scientists to find solutions in the new field of green chemistry. “The most troubling health effects are associated with endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that may interfere with cellular development in humans and animals,” says Dr. Terry Collins, a champion in the field.
Dr. Collins, who has been recognized internationally for his work in creating a new class of oxidation catalysts that can convert harmful pollutants in water into less toxic substances, will speak about the latest developments in green chemistry at a free public event on September 15 sponsored by UC Berkeley Extension, “Green Chemistry: Sustaining a High Technology Civilization.”
“Understanding how some chemicals alter cellular development to better avoid these properties in new chemicals is a vital frontier for preventing disease and improving human health,” says Dr. Collins, who is a strong advocate for change in public policy to help address toxic chemicals and develop safer substitutes.
Research by Collins’ group at Carnegie Mellon has shown that these oxidation catalysts have enormous potential to provide clean and safe alternatives to existing industrial practices and provide ways to remediate other pressing environmental problems that currently lack solutions. The catalysts have proven effective in decontaminating water of estrogenic compounds and specific drugs, pesticides, and other persistent pollutants; cleaning industrial wastewaters from the textile and pulp and paper industries; reducing sulfur-containing chemicals in fuels; and disinfecting water of hardy pathogens.
Professor Collins, the Thomas Lord Professor of Chemistry and Director of Carnegie Mellon’s Institute for Green Science, developed the first university course in green chemistry for Carnegie Mellon in 1992. A recipient of the 1998 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award from the EPA, Dr. Collins writes and lectures widely about the importance and promise of chemists turning their inventive talents towards eliminating hazards from chemical products and processes.
UC Berkeley Extension will offer a new course this fall, “Principles of Green Chemistry,” as part of its growing sustainability studies program. The course, taught by Sheryl Mebane, Ph.D., former Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellow at UC Berkeley and founder of the Chemistry Literacy Project, examines the theory and practice of green chemistry and the next generation of environmentally friendly chemicals and materials currently being developed by scientists. The course starts October 3 in Berkeley. More information about the course is available at http://extension.berkeley.edu/cat/course2116.html.
The free public lecture by Dr. Collins will take place from 6 – 8 p.m. on the UC Berkeley Campus at 105 Stanley Hall. For more information please visit: http://extension.berkeley.edu/prog/public.html#2.
Offshore wind farms could power 37 million homes by 2020
Global offshore wind farm capacity will grow at a compound annual rate of 32 per cent in the coming decade, according to a new report by energy consulting firm ODS-Petrodata.
The International Offshore Wind Market to 2020 report predicts that by the end of 2020 global offshore wind farm capacity will have soared to 55 gigawatts, or enough to power almost 37 million European homes. Current installed capacity is under two gigawatts.
Based on an analysis of more than 700 projects and prospects in the company’s database, ODS-Petrodata forecasts USD 61.4 billion of capital expenditure in the sector between now and 2014. For 2016 to 2020, total capital expenditure could be double that.
“Although the credit crisis and other constraints have tempered the market, there is clearly a huge business opportunity here,” says David Gault, Renewables Manager at ODS-Petrodata. “These are big industrial projects, and it will take lots of equipment, manpower and innovation to get them built. Now is a great time for companies in other sectors, such as offshore oil and gas, to assess whether they can grab a piece of the action.”
Bottlenecks in the supply chain are already being relieved by new entrants. Several emerging European manufacturers of offshore-rated turbines will challenge the dominance of Siemens and Vestas in the next few years, and will later be joined by a batch of Asian manufacturers, including South Korean conglomerates such as Hyundai and at least 10 Chinese firms.
ODS-Petrodata’s research on turbine installation vessels indicates that the current shortage of these units could ease quite quickly, if all the vessels currently under construction are delivered on schedule and those in the design phase are built as planned. This will ultimately depend on access to finance, although some potential owners are major civil construction firms with substantial internal resources.
The UK currently leads the way for both installed capacity and projects under construction, but it may experience a lull in activity in 2013 and 2014. Germany will more than take up the slack, and will go on to become the industry’s power house from 2014 onwards. China and the USA will also be very significant players in the longer term.
There is a strong trend towards projects being built in deeper water further from shore, and this should create opportunities for innovative installation techniques, new vessel designs, foundations that can be used in deep water, cables that carry power over long distances, and new ways of tackling operations and maintenance challenges.
Source: ODS-Petrodata
Sony unveils party-shot: An automatic photographer
Sony introduced the Party-shot(TM) personal photographer (model IPT-DS1)–an innovative camera dock that pans 360 degrees and tilts 24 degrees, automatically detects faces, adjusts composition and takes photos for you.
The Party-shot camera accessory uses the camera’s BIONZ(TM) image processor with its Face Detection and Smile Shutter(TM) features to take photos without the user needing to snap the shutter button. This device makes it easy to capture more natural expressions and fun, candid moments of you, your family and friends without having to hire a photographer.
“With the Party-shot personal photographer, you no longer have to worry about taking photos when you are with your family or friends,” said Shigehiko Nakayama, manager of the digital imaging accessories business at Sony Electronics. “Party-shot captures candid moments that tell natural life stories and also offers a new style of photography that enriches time with your family and friends.”
Compatible with the DSC-WX1 and DSC-TX1 Cyber-shot digital cameras, the Party-shot camera accessory is mountable on nearly any tripod, so you can set it up in a convenient location in your home, especially when you are entertaining. With two AA batteries, the Party-shot camera accessory captures photos for up to 11 hours and is portable, so you can enjoy taking pictures outdoors. You can also use an AC adaptor (sold separately).
Pricing and Availability
Pre-orders will begin on August 6, 2009, at www.sonystyle.com/retail and at selected retailers nationwide. The Party-shot camera accessory will be available for about $150 in September.
Paper or Plastic? PEMCO poll shows seattleites oppose Green Bag Tax
In a recent poll from PEMCO Insurance, Puget Sound residents confirmed they don’t support a proposed 20-cent tax on grocery bags, and instead would make the switch to reusable bags to avoid the tax if it passes when residents vote on the issue August 18.
If voters approve the 20-cent bag tax, nearly eight out of 10 people (79 percent) agree that they would start using reusable shopping bags if they aren’t already doing so, the PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll reveals.
But the poll also suggests that shoppers most likely won’t have to make the switch since 71 percent of respondents said they oppose the tax that will appear on Seattle voters’ ballots in August.
In July 2008, Seattle City Council approved several measures to increase the city’s green efforts. Among them was a 20-cent tax on paper and plastic grocery sacks, slated to go into effect in January 2009.
The tax triggered mixed reactions among Seattleites. A local organization sought to repeal the tax with a petition that garnered the 20,000 signatures needed to put the issue to a public vote.
“Our latest poll results show that this proposed ‘green’ legislation is an issue Northwest residents feel strongly about,” said Jon Osterberg, PEMCO spokesperson. “Obviously, insurance and grocery bags don’t go hand in hand, but we’re a local company and we care about issues that are important to the community.
“The poll is a useful tool to gauge local attitudes on relevant issues that affect us and shape many of the values we share as Northwest residents,” he said. “We’ll continue tracking this debate and other issues of local interest.”
Opposition was strongest among those who currently don’t use their own bags, according to the survey. Of the non-users, 85 percent said they oppose a 20-cent tax, while 57 percent of users oppose the tax.
Despite the opposition, 88 percent of respondents said that if the law passes, they would avoid paying the tax by bringing their own shopping bags. That 88 percent includes people who already bring their own bags.
PEMCO also asked respondents if they would support the proposed bag tax if it was reduced to 5 cents per bag. Reducing the tax dramatically enhances support among all age groups, and younger respondents (35 and under) remain the most supportive of the tax at both 5 and 20 cents.
Younger people also are more likely than people age 55 and older to admit they probably will not bring their own reusable bags when shopping, though not in huge numbers – 11 percent versus 3 percent.
Visit http://poll.pemco.com/ to learn more about the PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll and see how you match up to the latest results.
Source: PEMCO Insurance
Toyota announces pricing on 2010 Avalon, Yaris, Highlander, FJ Cruiser, RAV4, and Tacoma
Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2010 Avalon full-size sedan, Yaris subcompact, FJ Cruiser off-road sport utility vehicle (SUV), Highlander mid-size SUV, RAV4 compact SUV, and the Tacoma pickup truck. The 2010 models will begin arriving at dealerships in August, with the exception of Highlander (September).
The 2010 FJ Cruiser, the most capable off-road SUV in the Toyota line-up, will feature several upgrades, including dual VVT-i and roller rocker arms on the 4.0-liter V6, which add 19 horsepower and a one mpg increase. Minor suspension changes reduce the turning radius by more than a foot, and a new Army Green exterior color is offered. The base MSRP for FJ Cruiser will range from $23,680 for the 2WD automatic to $25,270 for the 4WD automatic, an increase of $360, or 1.4-1.5 percent.
The RAV4, the first ever car-based SUV originally introduced in 1996, receives minor styling enhancements for 2010, including chrome-accented interior appointments on the limited model. The MSRP remains unchanged for 2010 RAV4. RAV4 models will carry a base MSRP that ranges from $21,500 for the base model 2WD four-cylinder to $27,810 for the 4WD Limited V6.
The 2010 Highlander gas model, which will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) beginning in October, will have an available backup monitor on the multi-informational display for the Base grade V6, and a power tilt/slide moonroof for the Base grade four-cylinder. Highlander Hybrid carries over unchanged for 2010. The MSRP for the 2010 Highlander gas and hybrid models remains unchanged except for the Highlander Sport, which adds a stainless-steel exhaust tip and will increase $50. The base MSRP for the 2010 Highlander ranges from $25,705 for the base four-cylinder 2WD to $41,020 for the Limited 4WD hybrid model.
Avalon, Toyota’s flagship passenger car since 1995, continues to set the standard for performance, luxury, and value in its class. For 2010, Avalon adds rear-passenger auto up/down windows and one new exterior color, Sandy Beach Metallic. The base MSRP for the 2010 Avalon ranges from $27,945 for the XL to $35,285 for the Limited, an increase of $100, or 0.3-0.4 percent.
Tacoma, the best-selling compact pickup truck in the U.S., will carry over unchanged except for an enhancement to the front cup-holder functionality, and it will not receive a price increase for the 2010 model year. Tacoma’s base MSRP ranges from $15,170 for the Regular Cab with a five-speed manual transmission to $27,075 for the V6 4×4 Double Cab Long Bed with a five-speed automatic transmission.
Yaris will receive standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) in 2010, equipping all Yaris models with Toyota’s Star Safety System(TM) that also includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electric Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Yaris is the only vehicle in its segment to offer this set of safety features as standard equipment. With all of these enhancements, Yaris base MSRP will increase only $150 and will range from $12,355 for the three-door model with manual transmission, to $13,915 for the four-door sedan with an automatic transmission, an increase of 1.1-1.2 percent.
Base MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $750 for passenger cars and $800 for light trucks. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.
Source: Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.