“Thank you Mr. Chairman.  I am glad we are holding today’s hearing to discuss vehicle and fuel technologies and what the future holds for American consumers.  As we continue to experience record fuel prices, the demand for alternative fuels, hybrid and flex fuel vehicles, and other energy efficient technologies will continue to increase. 

“I strongly believe the substance of our discussions in this hearing today - will be a significant piece in the puzzle of meeting our future energy needs.  We all recognize that our nation’s transportation sector is the primary contributor to the U.S. consumption of roughly 20 million barrels of oil a day. Reducing the transportation sector’s use of this commodity will require further implementation and advancement of the many technologies that will be discussed today. 

“High fuel prices have certainly increased the awareness and interest in alternative fuels and vehicles.  Even in the state of Arkansas, where pickup trucks far exceed cars, my constituents are talking more and more about hybrid and flex fuel vehicles.  My district spans 21,000 square miles, 29 counties, and 150 towns. It is not uncommon for my constituents to drive 50 miles or more – each way to and from work.  And in most cases they commute these distances for a job that pays well below the national average.  These long commutes and frequent, costly stops at the gas station, are forcing, not only Arkansans, but all Americans to think about alternatives.  As this trend continues, it is increasingly important for industry, government, and the consumers to engage in these issues and work together to advance energy efficient technologies. 

“As members of this Committee, we have received testimony from the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Agency regarding their forecast indicating both fuel prices and demand are going to remain high.  With these record cost projections, it will be cost effective for us to make the necessary investments and aggressively advance alternatives.  

“I have been pleased with the automobile industry and their efforts toward the development of hybrid and flex fuel vehicles.  They have embraced the consumer’s demand for increased energy efficiency and are working to expand the production of their hybrid and flex fuel models.  

“I am also supportive of the provisions in the Energy Policy Act regarding hybrid vehicles.  This legislation, which was passed last August, provides tax credits to consumers who purchase hybrid vehicles.  This has been a successful incentive program and has stimulated hybrid vehicle sales.  However, I believe we can and should do more.  I hope to hear from our witnesses today on ways and ideas to improve this tax credit - allowing more consumers to access these technologies.  I am not 100 percent convinced eliminating the 60,000 unit cap is the answer, but I think it is an option that should be investigated and I look forward to receiving input from the industry representatives here today.  The more consumers who can access the tax credit - the more hybrid vehicles there will be on our highways. 

“I also look forward to hearing from our two panels about the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.  I test drove a hydrogen fuel cell car this morning and was impressed.  I understand the challenges facing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, especially the needed infrastructure to support them– a similar problem facing expanded use of E85.  I do believe hydrogen fuel cell technology will be a significant part of our future hybrid vehicle fleet and look forward to working with industry on its continued development.

“Being from Arkansas, I am extremely excited about the growing potential for biodiesel, ethanol and cellulosic biomass ethanol in this country.  The increased use of ethanol and biodiesel provides new markets for our farm families, reduces our dependence on imported oil, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.  Efforts are under way in my Congressional District and across the nation on the development of cellulosic ethanol, which is derived from biomass feedstocks such as wood chips, switch grass, and other plant fibers.  We must make the investments to continue the development and expansion of ethanol, including the E85 infrastructure needed to support flex fuel vehicles.

“The reality is this:  the energy bill, which I voted for, authorizes $632 million for the next fiscal year for renewable energy research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities by the Department of Energy- $213 million of which is for bio-energy purposes -- including $100 million for bio-refinery demonstration projects.  This funding is authorized, but not yet appropriated.  And yet we send $1.9 billion to Iraq every week.  I want to make sure the American people understand that while there is a lot of talk these days about alternative and renewable fuels, over the next fiscal year we are going to spend less than half as much money toward research and development of alternative and renewable energy as we will spend this week alone in Iraq.  It is about priorities, and we as a nation need to re-evaluate our priorities and make the desperately needed investments in alterative and renewable energy.

“Coal-to-Liquid technology and natural gas are also exciting alternative sources of transportation fuels being used and developed.  The public transportation buses here in the District of Columbia are using natural gas technology and have proudly printed on the side of each bus that ‘they are running on clean burning natural gas.’ 

“Our future will have a strong blend of alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles that will hopefully provide a choice to consumers when they go to purchase a car and fill up at the pump.  We must work together toward making these technologies affordable and reasonable for all Americans – and work to build our nation’s infrastructure to support these technologies.  I thank our panel for being here today and look forward to receiving their testimony.” 

Today’s remarks are part of Congressman Ross’s continuing effort to boost domestic oil production and reduce the United States’ dependency on oil by promoting the development of alternative fuel sources.   

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