House Approves Advanced Vehicle Technology Bill

September 17, 2009, WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation to re-authorize the Advanced Vehicle Technology program in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).  The legislation will ensure the United States continues to be a leader in the research and development of next-generation vehicle technologies.

“From passenger cars to heavy duty long-haul trucks, it is essential for our country to reduce our dependence on petroleum and develop new energy sources and technologies to power these vehicles,” said Congressman Bart Gordon, who strongly supported the bill.  “This legislation will support the research and development of advanced vehicle technologies, which will in turn play a critical role in creating new jobs and decreasing our reliance on foreign oil.”

The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act (H.R. 3246) was authored in and unanimously approved by the House Science and Technology Committee – the committee chaired by Congressman Gordon.  The bill authorizes DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Program to provide long-term sustained funding for public-private vehicle research, development, demonstration and commercial application projects.

“The current economic climate has made it difficult for companies to invest in next-generation vehicle technologies, and DOE programs have played an invaluable role in filling this critical gap,” added Gordon.  “For instance, DOE recently awarded Nissan with a $1.6 billion loan to develop and produce all-electric vehicles in Smyrna, Tennessee.  This loan will create thousands of new jobs throughout Middle Tennessee.”

The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act also makes important investments in areas such as vehicle manufacturing and medium-to-heavy duty vehicles research.  It accomplishes its goals through continued partnership with industry and strengthened DOE coordination with other federal research agencies.

The bipartisan bill is supported by a broad coalition, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, United Autoworkers, and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. 

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.