Washington, D.C.—Today, the House of Representatives adopted an amendment authored by Congressman Joe Donnelly that would include recreational vehicles (RVs) in the category of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles subject to a new Department of Energy (DOE) research and development initiative created by H.R. 3246, The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009. The House adopted the amendment by a vote of 369 to 62 and subsequently passed the bill.
“The RV industry plays an important role in north central Indiana’s economy, and these vehicles are used by many families across the country,” Donnelly said. “We’ve seen what spikes in fuel prices can do to RV sales and the direct impact on jobs. By explicitly including RVs in DOE research and development under The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009, federal researchers will be put to work devising new technologies to help make RVs more fuel efficient. Doing so will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and help protect RV owners and makers from the impact of rising energy prices. With both government experts and RV makers working to usher in a new generation of fuel-efficient vehicles, we can help to ensure the industry’s continued competitiveness and success.”
H.R. 3246 authorizes DOE programs that examine technology solutions to increase a vehicle’s fuel efficiency, reduce its emissions, and improve its safety. In addition to research and development by the DOE for passenger vehicles, the legislation will also set aside funding for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Donnelly’s amendment includes RVs in the category of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
“A comprehensive federal vehicle research and development program is critical at a time when the RV, automotive, and commercial trucking industries have limited resources for increasingly expensive research and development,” Donnelly said.
The bill is endorsed by: the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Chrysler, the United Autoworkers, the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, Daimler, Magna International, Delphi, ArvinMeritor, Robert Bosch LLC, Caterpillar, Dueco Odyne, Achates Power, EcoMotors, the Engine Manufacturers Association, the Connected Vehicle Trade Association.
Congressmen Mark Souder (R-IN) and Peter DeFazio (D-OR) co-sponsored Donnelly’s amendment.
###
