The Vehicle Innovation Act is being reintroduced to both chambers of Congress, pledging to promote investments in research and development for cleaner and safer vehicles through increased fuel efficiency.
U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI), Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), along with U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Haley Stevens (D-MI) reintroduced the legislation, which had previously been approved by the Senate as part of the Energy Policy Modernization Act. The legislation has garnered broad support from a number of influential organizations, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, BlueGreen Alliance, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association and the United Auto Workers.
“Researchers, designers, and scientists at companies across Michigan are working to ensure that the next generation of cars and trucks are safer and more efficient,” Peters said. “This bipartisan bill will help ensure that American manufacturers lead this new era of auto innovation by encouraging the development of cutting-edge clean vehicle technologies that increase fuel mileage, save consumers money and create jobs.”
While incentivizing R&D practices, the legislation also approves additional resources for the Vehicle Technologies Office, meant to guarantee steady funding is available for manufacturers so as to keep them keeping on top of new technologies with cost reduction potential.
“Tennessee’s auto industry supports 88 of our 95 counties and more than one-third of our state’s manufacturing jobs are auto-related. Investment in new vehicle technologies will continue to give consumers more options and attract good-paying jobs,” Alexander said. “I am glad to see the Department of Energy continuing its research to make cars and trucks more fuel efficient, to improve electric vehicles and batteries and to develop alternative fuels.”
Advocates point out that in addition to increasing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions, a law change would benefit employment in an industry that already consists of thousands of workers nationwide. It would also keep the United States from falling behind in the tech race other nations are rapidly engaging.