House OKs green vehicle research bill

[SpartanDem]

Source: Detroit News

Washington -- The U.S. House overwhelmingly approved a bill Wednesday to boost government funding for green vehicle research -- the latest effort by Congress to aid the struggling auto industry.

The House voted 312-114 for the measure that authorizes $2.9 billion over five years, including $550 million in the budget year starting Oct. 1 for the Energy Department to research and develop advanced technology vehicle and components.

That's a more than $200 million more than the current yearly vehicle research budget.

After authorizing funding, Congress must still separately allocate the funds. The Senate must also approve the authorization bill.

Rep. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, the lead sponsor of the bill, said the measure would lead to "faster development" of advanced technologies.

"It is no secret that the global economic crisis has had an absolutely devastating effect on the automobile industry," Peters said.

But he said it is essential for government to give automaker more financial support.



Read more: http://www.detnews.com/article/20090916/AUTO01/909160374/House-OKs-green-vehicle-research-bill

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Way to go Rep Peters.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

1. At long last

thank you!

[DCKit]

2. Great. Another $200 million down the hydrogen research hole.

We'd be better off if they just provided direct subsidies or tax breaks to consumers buying hybrids and other fuel efficient cars.

Unfortunately, "The People" are not nearly as well represented in Congress as are the corporations.

[twitomy]

4. Agreed...Just another example of corporate welfare....

Jsut becasue its "Green" doesnt make it ok. The robbing of the treasury by corporations has got to stop.

[harmonicon]

3. will this really make that much difference?

The technology has existed for years to make cleaner more energy efficient cars, but it didn't happen. Unless fuel economy standards are improved and companies stop trying to push crap on the consumers, I don't see what difference any new technology will make.