LANSING -- Governor Jennifer M. Granholm issued the following statement on tonight's vote by the U.S. Senate to extend the "cash for clunkers" program:

"I applaud Congress, especially the Michigan delegation, for acting quickly to extend the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS).  Combined with the announcement of federal battery grants yesterday. CARS will create jobs, decrease harmful carbon emissions, and help move our country toward energy independence.