Peters Calls on Colleagues to Support His Bipartisan Legislation to Expand R&D for Fuel Efficient Technologies
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) spoke on the Senate floor today in support of the Vehicle Innovation Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation he authored and reintroduced earlier this week to promote investments in research and development of clean vehicle and advanced safety technologies to increase fuel efficiency and reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil.
“Transportation is responsible for roughly two thirds of our national consumption of petroleum and one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. But imagine a future where we could produce low cost – secure – clean energy technologies to move people and goods easily across our nation. Imagine if we could then sell our advanced American technology and products to the rest of the world,” said Senator Peters. “That is a future – that working together – we can achieve… Rapidly emerging technologies have the potential not only help reduce air emissions – their development would help create jobs in Michigan and across the nation—jobs that cannot be outsourced.”
Click here for video of his remarks and below is the text as prepared for delivery:
“Madam President:
“Transportation is responsible for roughly two thirds of our national consumption of petroleum and one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. But imagine a future where we could produce low cost – secure – clean energy technologies to move people and goods easily across our nation. Imagine if we could then sell our advanced American technology and products to the rest of the world.
“That is a future – that working together – we can achieve. There is no question that the cars and trucks of the future can be equipped with technology to make them safer and more fuel-efficient—while also saving consumers’ money.
“Rapidly emerging technologies have the potential not only help reduce air emissions – their development would help create jobs in Michigan and across the nation—jobs that cannot be outsourced. Madam President, we must ensure that the United States leads the way in developing these innovations.
“That’s why I reintroduced the bipartisan Vehicle Innovation Act with my colleagues Senator Alexander and Senator Stabenow. The Vehicle Innovation Act promotes research and development investments in clean vehicle and advanced safety technologies.
“The bill also modernizes the Vehicle Technologies Office within the Department of Energy, which exists to help create and sustain American leadership in the transition to a global clean energy economy. This office’s leadership has already led to improvements in engine efficiency – vehicle weight reductions, and reduced fuel production costs – and the Vehicle Innovation Act will help ensure there are continued innovations.
“I’m proud to again partner on this bill with Senator Alexander and fellow Michigander – Senator Debbie Stabenow. Last Congress – we were able to pass the Vehicle Innovation Act through the Senate. Now with fellow Michigan delegation members, Congresswomen Debbie Dingell and Haley Stevens leading this bill in the House – there is no reason that this legislation shouldn’t be enacted into law.
“The bill is supported by labor – by industry – and by conservation groups – including the United Auto Workers, the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, the Auto Alliance, the BlueGreen Alliance and the Natural Resources Defense Council.
“America should lead the world in clean energy advancements and I urge my colleagues to support the Vehicle Innovation Act.”
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