PRESIDENT BACKS PROPOSALS IN SENATOR COLLINS' BILL TO SPUR DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES
Today, President Obama announced a new plan to spur deployment of clean, advanced vehicles in communities around the country, including electric vehicles. The President's plan reflects several provisions included in bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Senator Susan Collins that was introduced last year. Similar to the President's proposal, the "Promoting Electric Vehicles Act," sponsored by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN), would provide temporary encouragement for the development and use of plug-in electric motor vehicles. The bill would also create a competitive grant process for companies to electrify their fleets and make it easier for the federal government to acquire more electric vehicles, and provide tax credits for the purchase of alternative fuel cars and trucks.
"Certainly, one way to reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, and to help lower the price of gasoline, is to invest in alternative energy sources," said Senator Collins. "It is estimated that electrifying half of the cars and trucks in our country within 20 years would help cut the amount of oil we use by one-third. I welcome the President's recognition of our efforts and will work with him to move this important legislation forward."
"Certainly, one way to reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, and to help lower the price of gasoline, is to invest in alternative energy sources," said Senator Collins. "It is estimated that electrifying half of the cars and trucks in our country within 20 years would help cut the amount of oil we use by one-third. I welcome the President's recognition of our efforts and will work with him to move this important legislation forward."
