Funding a Diverse Portfolio of Clean Vehicle and Energy Technologies is Right Choice for America

SEE ALSO: Big Cars with Choice of Fuel, Not Small Cars Without Choice, Is What's Good for America

Washington, DC—October 30, 2009— The comprehensive approach to advancing transportation and clean energy technologies embodied in the energy spending bill signed by President Obama this week is the best way to assure that the nation ends its dependence on imported fuels and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, three international trade associations said today.

"The FY 2010 Energy & Water Development Appropriation funds a full portfolio of advanced technologies and fuels for power generation and vehicles, including fuel cells, hydrogen, and batteries," the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA), National Hydrogen Association (NHA) and US Fuel Cell Council (USFCC) said in a joint statement. "Congress and the Administration are wisely investing in all the most promising advanced transportation and low carbon electricity options. All these pathways work cooperatively with renewable and traditional domestic energy sources."

The bill allocates $311 million to vehicle electrification and advanced combustion systems, $220 million for advanced biofuels and $283 million for hydrogen and fuel cells in all applications.

"While vehicle options may enter the marketplace at different times and serve different early market segments, pursuing the full range of options gives America its best chance overall of meeting its energy security and environmental goals," the organizations said. "The National Research Council has recently concluded, in fact, that a successful portfolio approach could reduce passenger car demand for gasoline nearly to zero by 2050 with comparable reductions in emissions. A multipronged approach will leverage complementary development pathways and accelerate the use of domestic resources."

"We thank Congress for its tireless work to improve the federal energy budget, especially Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and his Energy and Water Subcommittee, Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY) and the other members of the House Subcommittee, plus the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucuses in both chambers," they said. "Their leadership, and the bipartisan support of their colleagues in Congress, were crucial to rebalancing the Administration's budget request."

EDTA, NHA and USFCC collectively represent more than 200 companies and organizations.