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WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed legislation to authorize $550 million a year for the next five years in essential research funding for passenger and heavy duty vehicle technologies.  U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) voted in favor of H.R. 3246, the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009, which passed the House 312 to 114 with bipartisan support

“This bill will help companies in Michigan, and across the nation, to transition toward new parts and technologies to strengthen and grow the domestic auto industry and to encourage entrepreneurs with innovative ideas to enter the market,” Stupak said.  “This funding for research and development will allow the auto industry to move toward more fuel-efficient vehicles through the development of new materials and technologies.”

Research and development programs funded by H.R. 3246 will focus on a broad range of areas – from technologies that are nearly market-ready to exploratory research.  The bill, introduced by Representative Gary Peters, (D-MI), creates the most comprehensive national vehicle research and development program to date.

The new vehicle technologies supported by this research funding will help drive innovation in alternative energy and fuel efficient technology while strengthening the economy and protecting jobs in the United States.

“In the current economic downturn it is harder than ever for companies to afford the research and development required to develop the next generation of vehicles for American consumers,” Stupak said. “By investing in the companies and workers that drive our economy, this bill will in turn help to create jobs and spur further innovation in the automotive sector.”

H.R. 3246 was supported by a broad coalition of industry, business, and environmental groups, including Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Chrysler, the Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Source:  http://www.house.gov/apps/list/speech/mi01_stupak/morenews/20090916Vehicles.html

Please post comments on this announcement from Bart Stupak’s office.

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