Washington, DC -- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) visited the Kawasaki Rail Car plant in Yonkers on Monday, a source of key local manufacturing jobs.  The plant employs over 400 workers, and is currently producing batteries for its regenerative braking system that greatly improve energy efficiency of rail systems.  Rep. Engel has been a longtime supporter of alternative energy options, especially those which create new job opportunities for Americans.

Rep. Engel, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, had many of his proposals, such as funding for research and development of plug-in hybrid technology, promoting efficiency, and embracing alternative fuels, written into the energy bill that became law in 2007. 

“Democrats in Congress have a national manufacturing strategy which creates the high-skill, high-wage jobs of the future—promoting American competitiveness, innovation, and exports.  A huge part of that strategy is enabling America to lead the world in cutting edge technology and energy methodologies of the future.   Unfortunately, comprehensive energy reform has been blocked, which would open up many more opportunities for green jobs to come to Yonkers, and similar cities around the nation,” said Rep. Engel.  “Having toured the Kawasaki facility in Yonkers, I can say that new technologies, being developed right here in the 17^th Congressional District, will drive the economy of the future, and those who continue to oppose progress will be left behind.”

Parts made in the Yonkers plant will be used in many locations, including the revamped Washington D.C. Metro fleet and part of the New York City Subway system.  The batteries are Gigacell nickel-metal hydride batteries.  When trains use their brakes going into a station, the excess electricity generated during the braking process is captured in a battery instead of being lost.  That energy is then used to power the motors when accelerating.

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