Advanced Vehicle Technology Act Of 2009

Floor Speech

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Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Gordon for those kind words.

It is no secret that the global economic crisis has had an absolutely devastating impact on the automobile industry. Automobile and truck manufacturers and parts suppliers around the globe are struggling to deal with substantially decreased demand in vehicle sales.

At the same time, we are in the midst of a transformation to a more energy-independent economy which will require the production of new vehicle technologies that will increase fuel efficiency and reduce harmful emissions. Development of advanced technologies for both heavy duty trucks and passenger vehicles is of vital national interest and requires a coordinated effort at the Federal level.

That is why I am proud to have worked with Chairman Gordon to introduce the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009. This legislation will build upon the current research efforts of the Department of Energy and the private sector by providing an increased Federal investment in passenger and heavy duty vehicle research and development.

By directing the Department of Energy to partner with industry stakeholders and agencies across the Federal Government, the bill will ensure that our investment leverages the maximum amount of talent and innovation and leads to faster development of new technologies that will help us meet our energy challenges and promote American innovation in the advanced vehicle technologies field.

There is intense global competition right now to determine which countries will produce the cars and trucks of the future. There is no doubt that in the years ahead more Americans will be driving hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles, and cars and trucks powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The only question is whether these new technologies will be researched, developed, and manufactured here in United States, creating American jobs, or whether this technology will be built overseas. The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act will help ensure that the American automobile industry will continue to be globally competitive and that we as a Nation will not trade our dependence on foreign oil for a dependence on foreign batteries and other emerging technology.

This legislation has strong support from industry. It has been endorsed by the United States Chamber of Commerce and by the National Association of Manufacturers, who understand how important it is for our Nation to maintain its competitiveness in research and development and emerging technology in order to preserve our manufacturing base.

H.R. 3246 has been endorsed by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and by individual automakers like Chrysler, General Motors, Ford, and Daimler. It is strongly supported by the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, which is the industry trade group representing auto parts suppliers, as well as key suppliers based in my congressional district like ArvinMeritor, Magna International, Delphi and Bosch.

I am also proud to report that this bill has the support of organized labor, including my good friends at the United Auto Workers, and from the environmental community as well, including such organizations as the League of Conservation Voters, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Sierra Club.

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