Advanced Vehicle Technology Act Of 2009

Floor Speech

Advanced Vehicle Technology Act Of 2009

I rise in support of the Posey-Kosmas amendment and of this bill, H.R. 3246, the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act.

Our amendment would direct the Department of Energy to establish an Innovative Automotive Demonstration Program to award competitive grants for the purpose of demonstrating and for bringing to the market very high energy-efficient vehicles, achieving at least 70 miles per gallon in the near term.

Creating opportunities such as this ensures that we are utilizing the expertise of both the Department of Energy and of those in the industry who have real-world experience. This program will help to ensure that our Nation remains competitive in the world automotive market. Here at home, it will not only help us to meet new mileage and emissions requirements but to far exceed them.

Right now, companies across the Nation, including in central Florida, are researching and developing vehicles that will use lightweight materials and highly efficient engines, enabling them to potentially reach 100 miles per gallon. This program will help ensure that these companies are able to move past the R&D stage to demonstration and to full-scale manufacturing in the near term. Our Nation can lead the world in innovation and in technology achievements if we are willing to make the investment.

I would like to thank my friend and colleague, Congressman Posey, for working with me on this important program which, I think, will be beneficial to consumers, which will help us to reduce our emissions and dependence on foreign oil, and which will lead to new jobs in central Florida and across the Nation.

I urge my colleagues to support the bipartisan Posey-Kosmas amendment and the underlying bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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