Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following remarks on H.R. 3246, the “Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009”, a bill authored by Congressman Gary Peters (D-MI09). This bill would provide additional support for advanced vehicle technologies and to American manufacturers by investing in a diverse range of near-term and long-range vehicle technologies that will improve fuel efficiency, support domestic research and manufacturing, and lead to greater consumer choice of vehicle technologies and fuels. Congressman Dingell was one of the architects of the direct loan program authorized in Section 136 of the Energy Independence and Security Act that President Bush signed into law in 2007. The House passed the bill, 312-114.
“Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3246, the “Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009.” I wish to commend my colleague from the great state of Michigan, Mr. Peters, for the superb work he and his staff did on this important piece of legislation. Moreover, I offer my thanks and praise to the chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology, Mr. Gordon, for the leadership role he played in bringing H.R. 3246 to the floor today.
“The bill we consider today will augment the Department of Energy’s ability to support research and development in advanced technologies, which are necessary for the fuel-efficient vehicles of tomorrow. I take no small degree of personal interest in this subject, as several companies, such as A123 Systems, located in my district produce the types of technologies H.R. 3246 will help to foster. Not only do these technologies have the potential to reduce vehicle fleet emissions and National fuel consumption, but their production also represents a growth industry, something of which my home state, Michigan, and indeed the entire country, are in great need. H.R. 3246 is therefore an environmental and economic blessing.
“I urge my colleagues to vote in support of H.R. 3246. Thank you, Madam Speaker, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
