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CONTACT: Cullen Schwarz

Wednesday, July 29, 2009                                                               
(202) 225-5802

PETERS’ ADVANCED VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY ACT MOVING RAPIDLY THROUGH HOUSE

Bill Approved by Science and Tech Committee; Would Authorize Funding for Advanced Technology Vehicle Development, Greatly Expand Production of Hybrid/Electric Commercial Trucks

Washington, D.C. – The House Committee on Science and Technology today unanimously 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), would authorize $550 million for fiscal year 2010 ($590 million by 2014) for the Department of Energy to carry out advanced technology vehicle and component part research and development.  The bill is supported by Chrysler, General Motors, Ford, the UAW and the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association, among other businesses and organizations (see below for more supporters and supporter quotes).

“Investing in research and development of advanced vehicle technologies will help our auto companies turn the corner and emerge from the global economic crisis,” said Rep. Peters. “This legislation will help ensure the cars of the future are built here in the U.S., creating good paying jobs and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.  In Southeast Michigan we have many companies in prime position to lead the world in the development of these exciting new products.  This bill is good for the country and great for Michigan.  These are exactly the sort of targeted investments we need to get our economy moving.”

Peters’ legislation would 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 new R&D authorized by Peters’ bill would create jobs in Michigan and around the country and help the U.S. move toward energy independence.

Congressman Peters introduced the legislation on Friday, July 17.  It was approved by the Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Energy and Environment on Tuesday, July 21 before being approved and reported favorably by the full committee today.  H.R. 3246 now awaits consideration by the full House after the August district work period.

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

“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

“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

“As a global Tier 1 commercial vehicle supplier, our company is dedicated to the development of new vehicle technologies that will increase fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and help lead our nation down the path of energy independence.  Development of advanced technologies for both heavy-duty trucks and passenger vehicles is a worth national investment and requires a coordinated effort at the federal level.” –Charles G. “Chip” McClure; Chairman, CEO and President; ArvinMeritor, Inc.

“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.

“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

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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