FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 

CONTACT: Cullen Schwarz 
(202) 225-5802 

                                                                                                        
HOUSE APPROVES PETERS’ BILL TO PROMOTE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT

Bill Authorizes Nearly $3 Billion for Advanced Technology Vehicle R&D

Legislation Would Reduce United States’ Dependence on Foreign Oil, Creates Jobs in Michigan 

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today approved legislation introduced by Congressman Gary Peters to spur the production of new advanced technology vehicles in the United States.  Peters’ bill, the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009 (H.R. 3246), was approved by a wide bipartisan majority of 312-114.  The bill would authorize nearly $3 billion for the Department of Energy to carry out advanced technology vehicle and component part research and development. 

The bill is supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, the Big Three automakers, numerous auto suppliers and industry associations, the UAW and prominent environmental organizations.  (see below for a list of supporters and supporter quotes).

“This legislation will help ensure the cars of the future are built here in Michigan and elsewhere in the U.S., creating good paying jobs and reducing our dependence on foreign oil,” said Rep. Peters. “Other nations are investing heavily in these technologies and we cannot afford to be left behind.  In Southeast Michigan we have many companies in prime position to lead the world in the development of these exciting new products.  The Big Three have undergone immense restructuring, now they are focusing on new product development and this investment will go a long way toward that end.  This bill is good for the country and great for Michigan’s economy.” 

“I want to thank Congressman Peters for his leadership on the issue of advanced technology vehicles,” said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.  “Research and development in this area is a critical part of our effort to move this nation toward energy independence, and will create new jobs both in Michigan and across the country.  I hope this bill will be enacted soon.”

H.R. 3246 will also aggressively expand efforts to develop fuel efficient commercial truck technologies and engage auto parts and component suppliers in DOE research and development programs.  Many Oakland County and other Metro Detroit businesses are currently engaged in the development of advanced technology commercial trucks and car and truck components.  

The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act authorizes $550 million for FY2010, with the authorization increasing $10 million each year for the following four years, reaching $590 million by 2014 for a total of roughly $2.9 billion over 5 years.

Congressman Peters introduced the legislation on Friday, July 17.  It was approved by the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment on Tuesday, July 21.  The full House Committee on Science and Technology approved the bill on July 29.  HR 3246 now heads to the Senate. 

Supporters of HR 3246 include:
The Chamber of Commerce of the United States, the United Autoworkers, General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Chrysler Group LLC, the National Association of Manufacturers, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, 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, the League of Conservation Voters, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Sierra Club   

Quotes from letters of support for H.R. 3246 (full letters available upon request): 

“The U.S. Chamber of Commerce…supports H.R. 3246, the “Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009,” which would provide important research and development investment in near- and long-range technologies to improve vehicle efficiency, reduce emissions, and help support jobs…. This program would help automobile companies adapt to a changing marketplace while simultaneously improving the environmental performance of their vehicles.” –R. Bruce Josten, Executive Vice President for Government Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

“In order to get the economy back on track and assure the international competitiveness of the manufacturing sector, the NAM advocates a comprehensive and balanced energy policy that will, among other measures, lead to the deployment and commercial viability of advanced, clean energy technologies, including those for advanced vehicles. By supporting H.R. 3246, which provides $2.85 billion in authorized funding over five fiscal years for medium and heavy-duty truck and bus research and development programs within the Department of Energy, you can help assure creation of high wage manufacturing jobs in the U.S.”  –Keith McCoy, Vice President for Energy & Resources Policy, National Association of Manufacturers

“Even in the face of the worst economic circumstances in decades, automobile manufacturers have worked hard to maintain our research and development efforts. H.R. 3246 will help ensure that our nation continues investing in vehicle technologies that contribute toward greater U.S. energy security and a cleaner environment.” –Dave McCurdy, President and CEO, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers

“These technologies will help Chrysler achieve its goal of becoming a strong, financially sound automotive company serving customers with a broader and more competitive lineup of environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient, high-quality vehicles.  We appreciate your leadership in helping Chrysler Group, and the country, to provide advanced vehicle technology that is the key to environmental sustainability and energy independence in the transportation sector.” –John Bozzella, Vice President for External Affairs and Public Policy, Chrysler Group

“[W]e commend your leadership on programs that provide research, development, demonstration and commercial application of Advanced Vehicle Technologies in the United States…. Close collaboration between the U.S. government and industry is crucial to the advancement of vehicle technologies that benefit consumers across America by getting cleaner, more efficient vehicles on the road quicker and more affordably.” –Ken Cole, Vice President, Global Public Policy and Government Relations, General Motors

“Research and development have always been essential to solving national challenges. That fact remains unchanged as the United States wrestles with global warming and imported petroleum. Public and private R&D efforts have already paid healthy dividends. Contributions from previous research and development will help automakers achieve the new national global warming pollution and fuel economy standards just proposed by the Obama Administration. Funding provided by H.R. 3246, which is a significant boost over the Department of Energy’s FY 2009 budget, will help develop the next generation of clean vehicle and fuel technologies and pave the way for even stronger standards in the future. To help strengthen the impact of this program we urge prioritization of technologies that maximize reductions in global warming pollution and oil consumption as these funds are administered.” –The League of Conservation Voters, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Sierra Club

“We believe H.R. 3246 will help accelerate development of innovations for both heavy-duty trucks and passenger vehicles that can help dramatically increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions.  H.R. 3246…allows for expanded participation of technology suppliers, helping to ensure that each federal dollar leverages the maximum amount of talent and innovation across the motor vehicle industry.”  –Norman Johnson, Director, External Affairs Robert Bosch LLC

“This proposed legislation will support research and development of vehicle technologies that improve environmental quality, create and expand U.S. technologies that will lessen our dependence on foreign oil, and increase U.S. job creation in the weakened automotive and truck industries.”  –Joe Dalum, President, Odyne
“Development of advanced technologies for both passenger and commercial vehicles is a worthy national investment and requires a coordinated effort at the federal level…. The bill supports the inclusion of new participants in federal research programs such as parts suppliers, helping to ensure that each federal dollar leverages the maximum amount of talent and innovation across the industry.” –Frank W. Ervin, III, Manager, Governmental Affairs, Magna International, Inc.

“The supplier industry commends [Congressman Peters] for [his] leadership in the introduction of the Advanced Technology Vehicle Act of 2009…. This important legislation will help automotive and commercial vehicle suppliers develop and implement technology for more fuel efficient components.  The research, development, deployment and commercial applications projects called for in your legislation will allow motor vehicle suppliers to make highly efficient components and technologies for future cutting edge vehicles.”  –Robert McKenna, President & CEO, Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association

“Our customers rely on machine efficiency.  Fuel is a significant part of their cost base and as we reduce fuel consumption we increase their ability to supply more power and build more infrastructure with less fuel.  We appreciate the numerous successful partnerships with the U.S. government and look forward to working with you as the bill continues in the legislative process.” –Tana L. Utley, Vice President – Chief Technology Officer, Product Development Center of Excellence, Caterpillar Inc.

Summary of H.R. 3246, the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009:

Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009

HR 3246

The “Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009” authorizes federal research and development activities at the Department of Energy for advanced vehicle and medium-to-heavy duty commercial truck technologies.  The legislation invests in a diverse range of near-term and long-range technologies that will improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, support domestic research and manufacturing, and lead to greater consumer choice of vehicle technologies and fuels.  The legislation strengthens public-private partnerships between federal agencies and industry and academic sectors.

The Act authorizes $550 million for fiscal year 2010, and increases that amount by $10 million per year through 2014, for a total authorization of $2.85 billion over 5 years.  This represents more than a $200 million per year increase in federal vehicle research investment.

Title I of the bill establishes a vehicle research and development program.  The Secretary will conduct research in the areas of batteries and storage devices, hybridization and electrification, hydrogen fuel cells, engine systems and components, and communications for vehicle and electric grid infrastructures.  The bill supports research and development of advanced vehicle manufacturing technologies, and provides support for construction and modification of new vehicle, engine, and component research and testing facilities.  

Title II establishes a research program for advanced technologies for medium-to-heavy duty commercial trucks and transit vehicles.   The Secretary will develop a program of cooperative research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities and partner with other relevant federal R&D programs and industry stakeholders.  A full-time program Director will be appointed to coordinate research activities, evaluate program activities and recruit new industry participants.  This title also establishes a pilot program of research, development, demonstration and commercial applications of technologies to improve machine and system efficiency for heavy duty non-road equipment.