Rogers wants appliance trade-in tax credit

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, a Brighton Republican, has introduced a House resolution to encourage retailers to discount new, energy-efficient appliances when consumers trade in older models that use more energy.

The resolution would have the U.S. Department of Energy establish a category for appliances that are in the top 10 percentile of energy efficiency in their respective product classes, the Press & Argus reports. Consumers who trade in their old appliances would receive a credit from the government to purchase energy-efficient appliances, like refrigerators and laundry units.

“Energy efficient appliances will help American families reduce the use of electricity, and that translates into more money in their pockets and a cleaner environment,” Rogers said in a statement.

A similar “cash-for-clunkers” measure has been proposed for automobiles to save gasoline and increase new auto production. However, questions have been raised about the program’s ultimate environmental impact. Specifically, if new products are created, energy is used to manufacture them, and this may outdo any energy savings that come from better mile per gallon ratings. The same might be asked of appliances too.