FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, July 21, 2009                                             

CONTACT: Cullen Schwarz
(202) 225-5802

HOUSE PANEL APPROVES PETERS’ ADVANCED VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY BILL

Bill Would Authorize Funding for Advanced Technology Vehicle Development Program, Greatly Expand Efforts to Develop Fuel Efficient Commercial Trucks

Washington, D.C. – A congressional subcommittee today approved legislation introduced by Congressman Gary Peters to spur the production of new advanced technology vehicles in the United States.  The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009 (H.R. 3246), will increase the funding authorization for the Department of Energy to carry out advanced technology vehicle and component part research and development to $550 million for fiscal year 2010 ($590 million by 2014), an increase of over 50 percent.  The legislation will also aggressively expand efforts to develop fuel efficient commercial truck technologies and engage auto parts suppliers in DOE research and development programs.

“Domestic auto companies have survived intense restructuring and bankruptcy, drastically reducing costs and becoming more competitive.  Now the focus must be on product development and generating revenue,” said Rep. Peters.  “This legislation will help ensure the vehicles of the future are built in the U.S., creating new jobs in Michigan and making the U.S. more energy independent.”

The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act sets aside $200 million for medium-to-heavy duty truck technology development, including cooperative research, development, demonstration and commercial application activities.  The bill also creates a full-time director appointed by the Energy Secretary to coordinate research activities, and requires the DOE to recruit new industry participants like parts suppliers, who have traditionally been much less involved in its programs.

“We have companies in Oakland County developing highly efficient, advanced technology commercial trucks and auto suppliers producing 21st Century vehicle components,” said Rep. Peters.  “Advanced vehicle programs have not largely included truck makers and suppliers before.  This legislation would change that, allowing Southeast Michigan businesses to create jobs and lead the world in the development of this new technology.”

The U.S. transportation sector accounts for 24 percent of global oil demand and over 60 percent of our petroleum demand is met by imported supplies.  Heavy truck fuel consumption will skyrocket in coming years, increasing 23 percent by 2030—a much more rapid rate of increase than the rest of the transportation sector. 

“To sufficiently transition our transportation sector away from foreign oil, we must develop more fuel efficient passenger vehicles and commercial trucks,” said Rep. Peters.  “If we do not build more fuel efficient vehicles we will never be energy independent.”

Congressman Peters introduced the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act on Friday, July 17.  The full House Committee on Science and Technology plans to consider the bill next week.  If the bill clears the committee it will then await approval by the full House.

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

Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009 Summary

July 16, 2009

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.  This represents more than a $200 million 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.

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