[Senate Report 112-70]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Calendar No. 150
112th Congress Report
SENATE
1st Session 112-70
======================================================================
ADVANCED VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY ACT
_______
September 6, 2011.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Bingaman, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany S. 734]
The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, to which was
referred the bill (S. 734) to provide for a program of
research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application in vehicle technologies at the Department of
Energy, having considered the same, reports favorably thereon
with an amendment and recommends that the bill, as amended, do
pass.
The amendment is as follows:
Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert in lieu
thereof the following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Advanced Vehicle
Technology Act of 2011''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Objectives.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
Sec. 4. Coordination and nonduplication.
TITLE I--VEHICLE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Sec. 101. Program.
Sec. 102. Sensing and communications technologies.
Sec. 103. Manufacturing.
Sec. 104. Reporting.
TITLE II--MEDIUM AND HEAVY DUTY COMMERCIAL AND TRANSIT VEHICLES
Sec. 201. Program.
Sec. 202. Class 8 truck and trailer systems demonstration.
Sec. 203. Technology testing and metrics.
Sec. 204. Nonroad systems pilot program.
SEC. 2. OBJECTIVES.
The objectives of this Act are--
(1) to reform and reorient the vehicle technologies programs
of the Department;
(2) to establish a clear and consistent authority for vehicle
technologies programs of the Department;
(3) to develop United States technologies and practices
that--
(A) improve the fuel efficiency and emissions of all
vehicles produced in the United States; and
(B) reduce vehicle reliance on petroleum-based fuels;
(4) to support domestic research, development, engineering,
demonstration, and commercial application and manufacturing of
advanced vehicles, engines, and components;
(5) to enable vehicles to move larger volumes of goods and
more passengers with less energy and emissions;
(6) to develop cost-effective advanced technologies for wide-
scale utilization throughout the passenger, commercial,
government, and transit vehicle sectors;
(7) to allow for greater consumer choice of vehicle
technologies and fuels;
(8) to shorten technology development and integration cycles
in the vehicle industry;
(9) to ensure a proper balance and diversity of Federal
investment in vehicle technologies and among vehicle classes;
and
(10) to strengthen partnerships between Federal and State
governmental agencies and the private and academic sectors.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the Department
of Energy.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Energy.
SEC. 4. COORDINATION AND NONDUPLICATION.
(a) Coordination.--The Secretary shall ensure that activities
authorized by this Act do not duplicate activities of other programs
within the Department or other relevant agencies.
(b) Cost-sharing Requirement.--The activities carried out under this
Act shall be subject to the cost-sharing requirements of section 988 of
the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16352).
TITLE I--VEHICLE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
SEC. 101. PROGRAM.
(a) Activities.--The Secretary shall conduct a program of basic and
applied research, development, engineering, demonstration, and
commercial application activities on materials, technologies, and
processes with the potential to substantially reduce or eliminate
petroleum use and the emissions of the Nation's passenger and
commercial vehicles, including activities in the areas of--
(1) hybridization or full electrification of vehicle systems;
(2) batteries, ultracapacitors, and other energy storage
devices;
(3) power electronics;
(4) vehicle, component, and subsystem manufacturing
technologies and processes;
(5) engine efficiency and combustion optimization;
(6) waste heat recovery;
(7) transmission and drivetrains;
(8) hydrogen vehicle technologies, including fuel cells and
internal combustion engines, and hydrogen infrastructure;
(9) compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas
vehicle technologies;
(10) aerodynamics, rolling resistance, and accessory power
loads of vehicles and associated equipment;
(11) vehicle weight reduction, including lightweighting
materials;
(12) friction and wear reduction;
(13) engine and component durability;
(14) innovative propulsion systems;
(15) advanced boosting systems;
(16) hydraulic hybrid technologies;
(17) engine compatibility with and optimization for a variety
of transportation fuels including natural gas and other liquid
and gaseous fuels;
(18) predictive engineering, modeling, and simulation of
vehicle and transportation systems;
(19) refueling and charging infrastructure for alternative
fueled and electric or plug-in electric hybrid vehicles,
including the unique challenges facing rural areas;
(20) gaseous fuels storage systems and system integration and
optimization;
(21) sensing, communications, and actuation technologies for
vehicle, electrical grid, and infrastructure;
(22) efficient use, substitution, and recycling of
potentially critical materials in vehicles, including rare
earth elements and precious metals, at risk of supply
disruption;
(23) aftertreatment technologies;
(24) thermal management of battery systems;
(25) retrofitting advanced vehicle technologies to existing
vehicles;
(26) development of common standards, specifications, and
architectures for both transportation and stationary battery
applications;
(27) advanced internal combustion engines; and
(28) other research areas as determined by the Secretary.
(b) Transformational Technology.--The Secretary shall ensure that the
Department continues to support research, development, engineering,
demonstration, and commercial application activities and maintains
competency in mid- to long-term transformational vehicle technologies
with potential to achieve deep reductions in petroleum use and
emissions, including activities in the areas of--
(1) hydrogen vehicle technologies, including fuel cells,
internal combustion engines, hydrogen storage, infrastructure,
and activities in hydrogen technology validation and safety
codes and standards;
(2) multiple battery chemistries and novel energy storage
devices, including nonchemical batteries, ultracapacitors and
electromechanical storage technologies such as hydraulics,
flywheels, and compressed air storage;
(3) communication, connectivity, and power flow among
vehicles, infrastructure, and the electrical grid; and
(4) other innovative technologies research and development,
as determined by the Secretary.
(c) Industry Participation.--To the maximum extent practicable,
activities under this Act shall be carried out in partnership or
collaboration with automotive manufacturers, heavy commercial,
vocational, and transit vehicle manufacturers, qualified plug-in
electric vehicle manufacturers, compressed natural gas and liquefied
petroleum gas vehicle manufacturers, vehicle and engine equipment and
component manufacturers, manufacturing equipment manufacturers,
advanced vehicle service providers, fuel producers and energy
suppliers, electric utilities, universities, national laboratories, and
independent research laboratories. In carrying out this Act the
Secretary shall--
(1) determine whether a wide range of companies that
manufacture or assemble vehicles or components in the United
States are represented in ongoing public private partnership
activities, including firms that have not traditionally
participated in federally sponsored research and development
activities, and where possible, partner with such firms that
conduct significant and relevant research and development
activities in the United States;
(2) leverage the capabilities and resources of, and formalize
partnerships with, industry-led stakeholder organizations,
nonprofit organizations, industry consortia, and trade
associations with expertise in the research and development of,
and education and outreach activities in, advanced automotive
and commercial vehicle technologies;
(3) develop more efficient processes for transferring
research findings and technologies to industry;
(4) give consideration to conversion of existing or former
vehicle technology development or manufacturing facilities for
the purposes of this Act;
(5) establish and support public-private partnerships,
dedicated to overcoming barriers in commercial application of
transformational vehicle technologies, that utilize such
industry-led technology development facilities of entities with
demonstrated expertise in successfully designing and
engineering pre-commercial generations of such transformational
technology; and
(6) promote efforts to ensure that technology research,
development, engineering, and commercial application activities
funded under this Act are carried out in the United States.
(d) Interagency and Intraagency Coordination.--To the maximum extent
practicable, the Secretary shall coordinate research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application activities among--
(1) relevant programs within the Department, including--
(A) the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy;
(B) the Office of Science;
(C) the Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy
Reliability;
(D) the Office of Fossil Energy;
(E) the Advanced Research Projects Agency--Energy;
and
(F) other offices as determined by the Secretary; and
(2) relevant technology research and development programs
within the Department of Transportation and other Federal
agencies, as determined by the Secretary.
(e) Federal Demonstration of Technologies.--The Secretary shall make
information available to procurement programs of Federal agencies
regarding the potential to demonstrate technologies resulting from
activities funded through programs under this Act.
(f) Intergovernmental Coordination.--The Secretary shall seek
opportunities to leverage resources and support initiatives of State
and local governments in developing and promoting advanced vehicle
technologies, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
(g) Criteria.--When awarding cost-shared grants under this program,
the Secretary shall give priority to those technologies (either
individually or as part of a system) that--
(1) provide the greatest aggregate fuel savings based on the
reasonable projected sales volumes of the technology; and
(2) provide the greatest increase in United States
employment.
SEC. 102. SENSING AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of
Transportation and the relevant research programs of other Federal
agencies, shall conduct research, development, engineering, and
demonstration activities on connectivity of vehicle and transportation
systems, including on sensing, computation, communication, and
actuation technologies that allow for reduced fuel use, optimized
traffic flow, and vehicle electrification, including technologies for--
(1) onboard vehicle, engine, and component sensing and
actuation;
(2) vehicle-to-vehicle sensing and communication;
(3) vehicle-to-infrastructure sensing and communication; and
(4) vehicle integration with the electrical grid, including
communications to provide grid services.
(b) Coordination.--The activities carried out under this section
shall supplement (and not supplant) activities under the intelligent
transportation system research program of the Department of
Transportation.
SEC. 103. MANUFACTURING.
The Secretary shall carry out a research, development, engineering,
demonstration, and commercial application program of advanced vehicle
manufacturing technologies and practices, including innovative
processes to--
(1) increase the production rate and decrease the cost of
advanced battery manufacturing;
(2) vary the capability of individual manufacturing
facilities to accommodate different battery chemistries and
configurations;
(3) reduce waste streams, emissions, and energy-intensity of
vehicle, engine, advanced battery and component manufacturing
processes;
(4) recycle and remanufacture used batteries and other
vehicle components for reuse in vehicles or stationary
applications;
(5) produce cost-effective lightweight materials such as
advanced metal alloys, polymeric composites, and carbon fiber;
(6) produce lightweight high pressure storage systems for
gaseous fuels;
(7) design and manufacture purpose-built hydrogen and fuel
cell vehicles and components;
(8) improve the calendar life and cycle life of advanced
batteries; and
(9) produce permanent magnets for advanced vehicles.
SEC. 104. REPORTING.
(a) Technologies Developed.--Not later than 18 months after the date
of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter through 2017, the
Secretary of Energy shall transmit to Congress a report regarding the
technologies developed as a result of the activities authorized by this
title, with a particular emphasis on whether the technologies were
successfully adopted for commercial applications, and if so, whether
products relying on those technologies are manufactured in the United
States.
(b) Additional Matters.--At the end of each fiscal year through 2017
the Secretary shall submit to the relevant Congressional committees of
jurisdiction an annual report describing activities undertaken in the
previous year under this title, active industry participants, efforts
to recruit new participants committed to design, engineering, and
manufacturing of advanced vehicle technologies in the United States,
progress of the program in meeting goals and timelines, and a strategic
plan for funding of activities across agencies.
TITLE II--MEDIUM AND HEAVY DUTY COMMERCIAL AND TRANSIT VEHICLES
SEC. 201. PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, in partnership with relevant research
and development programs in other Federal agencies, and a range of
appropriate industry stakeholders, shall carry out a program of
cooperative research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application activities on advanced technologies for medium- to heavy-
duty commercial, vocational, recreational, and transit vehicles,
including activities in the areas of--
(1) engine efficiency and combustion research;
(2) onboard storage technologies for compressed natural gas
and liquefied petroleum gas;
(3) development and integration of engine technologies
designed for compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas
operation of a variety of vehicle platforms;
(4) waste heat recovery and conversion;
(5) improved aerodynamics and tire rolling resistance;
(6) energy and space-efficient emissions control systems;
(7) heavy hybrid, hybrid hydraulic, plug-in hybrid, and
electric platforms, and energy storage technologies;
(8) drivetrain optimization;
(9) friction and wear reduction;
(10) engine idle and parasitic energy loss reduction;
(11) electrification of accessory loads;
(12) onboard sensing and communications technologies;
(13) advanced lightweighting materials and vehicle designs;
(14) increasing load capacity per vehicle;
(15) thermal management of battery systems;
(16) recharging infrastructure;
(17) compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas
infrastructure;
(18) advanced internal combustion engines;
(19) complete vehicle modeling and simulation;
(20) hydrogen vehicle technologies, including fuel cells and
internal combustion engines, and hydrogen infrastructure;
(21) retrofitting advanced technologies onto existing truck
fleets; and
(22) integration of these and other advanced systems onto a
single truck and trailer platform.
(b) Leadership.--The Secretary shall appoint a full-time Director to
coordinate research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application activities in medium- to heavy-duty commercial,
recreational, and transit vehicle technologies. Responsibilities of the
Director shall be to--
(1) improve coordination and develop consensus between
government agency and industry partners, and propose new
processes for program management and priority setting to better
align activities and budgets among partners;
(2) regularly convene workshops, site visits, demonstrations,
conferences, investor forums, and other events in which
information and research findings are shared among program
participants and interested stakeholders;
(3) develop a budget for the Department's activities with
regard to the interagency program, and provide consultation and
guidance on vehicle technology funding priorities across
agencies;
(4) determine a process for reviewing program technical
goals, targets, and timetables and, where applicable, aided by
life-cycle impact and cost analysis, propose revisions or
elimination based on program progress, available funding, and
rate of technology adoption;
(5) evaluate ongoing activities of the program and recommend
project modifications, including the termination of projects,
where applicable;
(6) recruit new industry participants to the interagency
program, including truck, trailer, and component manufacturers
who have not traditionally participated in federally sponsored
research and technology development activities; and
(7) other responsibilities as determined by the Secretary, in
consultation with interagency and industry partners.
(c) Reporting.--At the end of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall
submit to the Congress an annual report describing activities
undertaken in the previous year, active industry participants, efforts
to recruit new participants, progress of the program in meeting goals
and timelines, and a strategic plan for funding of activities across
agencies.
SEC. 202. CLASS 8 TRUCK AND TRAILER SYSTEMS DEMONSTRATION.
The Secretary shall conduct a competitive grant program to
demonstrate the integration of multiple advanced technologies on Class
8 truck and trailer platforms with a goal of improving overall freight
efficiency, as measured in tons and volume of freight hauled or other
work performance-based metrics, by 50 percent, including a combination
of technologies listed in section 201(a). Applicant teams may be
comprised of truck and trailer manufacturers, engine and component
manufacturers, fleet customers, university researchers, and other
applicants as appropriate for the development and demonstration of
integrated Class 8 truck and trailer systems.
SEC. 203. TECHNOLOGY TESTING AND METRICS.
The Secretary, in coordination with the partners of the interagency
research program described in section 201(a)--
(1) shall develop standard testing procedures and
technologies for evaluating the performance of advanced heavy
vehicle technologies under a range of representative duty
cycles and operating conditions, including for heavy hybrid
propulsion systems;
(2) shall evaluate heavy vehicle performance using work
performance-based metrics other than those based on miles per
gallon, including those based on units of volume and weight
transported for freight applications, and appropriate metrics
based on the work performed by nonroad systems; and
(3) may construct heavy duty truck and bus testing
facilities.
SEC. 204. NONROAD SYSTEMS PILOT PROGRAM.
The Secretary shall undertake a pilot program of research,
development, demonstration, and commercial applications of technologies
to improve total machine or system efficiency for nonroad mobile
equipment including agricultural and construction equipment, and shall
seek opportunities to transfer relevant research findings and
technologies between the nonroad and on-highway equipment and vehicle
sectors.
SEC. 205. REPEAL OF EXISTING AUTHORITIES.
(a) In General.--Sections 706, 711, 712, and 933 of the Energy Policy
Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16051, 16061, 16062, 16233) are repealed.
(b) Energy Efficiency.--Section 911 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005
(42 U.S.C. 16191) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``vehicles,
buildings,'' and inserting ``buildings''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking subparagraph (A); and
(ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (B)
through (E) as subparagraphs (A) through (D),
respectively; and
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking paragraph (3);
(B) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3);
and
(C) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated), by
striking ``(a)(2)(D)'' and inserting ``(a)(2)(C)''.
(c) Energy Storage Competitiveness.--Section 641 of the Energy
Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17231) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (j);
(2) by redesignating subsections (k) through (p) as
subsections (j) through (o), respectively; and
(3) in subsection (o) (as so redesignated)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and;'' after the
semicolon at the end;
(B) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``and'' after the
semicolon at the end;
(C) by striking paragraph (5);
(D) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (5);
and
(E) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), by
striking ``subsection (k)'' and inserting ``subsection
(j)''.
Purpose of the Measure
The purposes of S. 734 are--
(1) to reform and reorient the vehicle technologies
programs of the Department of Energy;
(2) to establish a clear and consistent authority for
vehicle technologies programs of the Department;
(3) to develop United States technologies and practices
that improve the fuel efficiency and emissions of all vehicles
produced in the United States, and reduce vehicle reliance on
petroleum based fuels;
(4) to support domestic research, development, engineering,
demonstration, and commercial application and manufacturing of
advanced vehicles, engines, and components;
(5) to enable vehicles to move larger volumes of goods and
more passengers with less energy and emissions;
(6) to develop cost-effective advanced technologies for
wide-scale utilization throughout the passenger, commercial,
government, and transit vehicle sectors;
(7) to allow for greater consumer choice of vehicle
technologies and fuels;
(8) to shorten technology development and integration
cycles in the vehicle industry;
(9) to ensure a proper balance and diversity of Federal
investment in vehicle technologies and among vehicle classes;
and
(10) to strengthen partnerships between Federal and State
governmental agencies and the private and academic sectors.
Background and Need
Over the last two decades, federal research priorities in
vehicle technology have shifted between passenger and heavy
duty vehicles, as well as diesel-hybrids, hydrogen-fueled, and
battery-powered drive systems. The variation in priority and
funding may be one reason for unsteady progress in advancing
any one technology. The Department of Energy's Vehicle
Technologies Program, a division within the Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), currently conducts
cooperative research with private industry and academia in a
number of areas including combustion efficiency, lightweight
materials, alternative fuels, and technology integration. This
research relies on various general research and grant
authorizations in past energy laws, as well as the Department
of Energy Organization Act of 1977.
Although this program has generally focused on technologies
that reduce demand for oil-derived fuel, the specific programs
and points of emphasis have shifted from Administration to
Administration. Cooperative efforts with industry such as the
FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership and the 21st Century Truck
Partnership have provided some of the research focus and helped
determine objectives, but there is no overarching statutory
authority structure for the Vehicle Technologies Program.
This illustrates the need for a comprehensive strategy and
consistent funding in a broad range of areas, from near-
commercial technologies to exploratory research on a variety of
systems, and across vehicle size classes. S. 734 lays out a
comprehensive research, development, demonstration, and
commercial application program, including several subprograms,
in order to support a domestic vehicle manufacturing industry
that retains international competitiveness in advanced vehicle
technologies.
Legislative History
Senator Stabenow introduced similar legislation in the
111th Congress (S. 2843) on December 7, 2009. The Subcommittee
on Energy held a legislative hearing on the House companion
bill, H.R. 3246, on December 8, 2009 (S. Hrg. 111-330). The
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources considered S. 2843
and ordered it reported favorably with an amendment in the
nature of a substitute on July 21, 2010. The bill did not
receive floor consideration in the 111th Congress.
Senator Stabenow introduced S. 734 on April 6, 2011. It is
cosponsored by Senators Levin and Wyden. The full Committee
conducted a hearing on the bill on May 19, 2011 (S. Hrg. 112-
38).
The Committee marked up the bill in open business meeting
on July 14, 2011, and adopted an amendment in the nature of a
substitute, as amended by an amendment by Senator Coats, and
ordered the legislation, as amended, favorably reported.
Committee Recommendation
The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, in
open business session on July 14, by majority voice vote of a
quorum present, recommends that the Senate pass the bill, if
amended as described herein.
Committee Amendment
During its consideration of S. 734, the Committee adopted
an amendment in the nature of a substitute. The substitute
amendment adds a table of contents in section 1(b), omits the
findings in section 2 of the bill as introduced, provides
additional objectives in section 2 of the substitute, adds a
new section 4 relating to program coordination, nonduplication,
and cost sharing, adds a new section 102(b) relating to program
coordination, omits section 104 of the bill as introduced
relating to user testing facilities, adds a new section 205 to
repeal certain existing authorities, and makes various
conforming changes.
Section-by-Section Analysis
Section 1 provides a short title.
Section 2 describes the objectives of the bill.
Section 3 defines the terms used in the bill.
Section 4 instructs the Secretary to ensure activities
carried out under the bill are not duplicative of other
programs conducted at the Department or other relevant
agencies. This section also establishes the cost sharing
requirements of authorized programs.
Title I--Vehicle Research and Development
Section 101 instructs the Secretary of Energy to carry out
a program of basic and applied research, development,
engineering, demonstration, and commercial application
activities in a range of areas with the potential to
substantially reduce or eliminate petroleum use. Subsection (a)
includes a non-exclusive list of examples of technologies and
activities. Subsection (b) directs the Secretary to ensure
activities supporting ``transformational technologies,'' such
as using hydrogen as a fuel source, energy storage devices and
alternative battery chemistries, and communication and
connectivity among vehicles continue to be supported.
Subsection (c) requires, to the maximum extent practicable,
that the Secretary carry out activities under the Act in
partnership or collaboration with manufacturers, service
providers, electric utilities, and laboratories. Subsection (d)
directs the Secretary to coordinate research, development,
engineering, demonstration, and commercial application
activities with related interagency groups to avoid duplication
of work. Subsections (e) and (f) direct the Secretary to seek
opportunities to demonstrate technologies, both by providing
necessary information to federal procurement offices, and by
working with state and local governments to enhance vehicle
technology, manufacturing, and infrastructure incentives.
Subsection (g) directs the Secretary, in awarding grants to
give priority to technologies that save the greatest amount of
fuel and create the most jobs.
Section 102 directs the Secretary to work with other
relevant federal agencies (e.g., the Department of
Transportation, which runs the Intelligent Transportation
Systems Joint Program Office) to improve vehicle component
sensing and communications capabilities.
Section 103 directs the Secretary to carry out a research,
development, engineering, demonstration, and commercial
application program in manufacturing technology and processes
to produce advanced vehicle technologies and components.
Section 104 requires the Secretary to submit a report to
Congress not later than 18 months after the enactment of this
bill, and every year thereafter through 2017. Subsection (a)
requires the report to outline the technologies developed under
title I, particularly technologies that have exceeded the
commercial stage and are manufactured domestically. Subsection
(b) requires the report to detail active industry participants,
efforts to recruit industry participants, program progress, and
funding strategies.
Title II--Medium and Heavy Duty Commercial and Transit Vehicles
Section 201 instructs the Secretary to conduct, in
partnership with other Federal agencies and stakeholders a
program of cooperative research, development, demonstration,
and commercial application activities for advanced technologies
in medium and heavy duty vehicles, including commercial,
vocational, recreational, and transit vehicles. Subsection (b)
requires the Secretary to appoint a full-time director to
coordinate the program. It requires the Director to improve
coordination between related agencies and industry partners to
better align priorities and budgets, and to evaluate the
program's productivity and recommend modifications as needed.
Subsection (c) requires the Secretary to submit an annual
report that describes the active industry participants, program
successes, and funding priorities.
Section 202 establishes a competitive grant program for the
purpose of integrating Class 8 trucks and trailers with
advanced vehicle technologies and improved freight efficiency.
Applicant teams may be made up of truck, trailer, and engine
manufacturers, fleet customers, higher education institutions,
and other applicants.
Section 203 directs the Secretary to work with the
participants outlined in section 201 to develop testing and
evaluation capabilities to measure performance of technologies
developed pursuant to this title.
Section 204 requires the Secretary to undertake a pilot
program to improve total machine or system efficiency for non-
road mobile equipment, including agriculture and construction
equipment and to share the findings with nonroad and on-highway
vehicle sectors.
Section 205 repeals a number of existing authorities that
are considered duplicative of the programs authorized by this
bill.
Cost and Budgetary Considerations
The following estimate of costs of this measure has been
provided by the Congressional Budget Office:
S. 734--Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2011
Summary: S. 734 would direct the Secretary of Energy to
expand existing activities aimed at developing alternative
vehicles with the potential to significantly reduce or
eliminate petroleum use and carbon emissions. Assuming
appropriation of the necessary amounts, CBO estimates that
implementing S. 734 would have a net discretionary cost of
nearly $1.3 billion over the 2012-2016 period. Enacting S. 734
would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-
as-you-go procedures do not apply.
S. 734 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA).
Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated
budgetary impact of S. 734 is shown in the following table. The
costs of this legislation fall within budget function 270
(energy).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
--------------------------------------------------
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2012-2016
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
Spending for Advanced Vehicle Technologies
Estimated Authorization Level............................ 400 406 412 419 428 2,065
Estimated Outlays........................................ 120 240 297 338 373 1,368
Reduced Authorizations
Authorization Level...................................... -30 -30 -30 -30 -30 -150
Estimated Outlays........................................ -4 -17 -26 -30 -30 -107
Total Proposed Changes:
Estimated Authorization Level........................ 370 376 382 389 398 1,915
Estimated Outlays.................................... 116 223 271 308 343 1,261
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basis of estimate: S. 734 would authorize a variety of
activities to promote advanced vehicle technology. The bill
also would repeal and modify certain provisions of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) and EISA 2007 that authorize similar
activities. Taken as a whole, CBO estimates that implementing
S. 734 would result in a net increase in discretionary spending
of $1.3 billion over the 2012-2016 period.
Spending for advanced vehicle technologies
S. 734 would direct the Secretary of Energy to carry out,
in collaboration with vehicle manufacturers and other
nonfederal entities, activities to promote the development of
vehicles with the potential to significantly reduce petroleum
use and carbon emissions. The bill would authorize the
Department of Energy (DOE) to expand existing research and
development activities related to alternative vehicles. In
addition, the bill would require the agency to establish new
initiatives, particularly related to medium- and heavy-duty
vehicles and mass transit vehicles.
S. 734 would not specify particular targets or goals for
DOE to achieve related to advanced vehicle technologies.
Research and development activities inherently involve trial
and error, and the pace of incremental progress is directly
related to the variety of experiments attempted and other
factors. For this estimate, CBO assumes that the agency would
increase its level of effort by expanding existing programs,
launching new initiatives, and increasing the number of
technologies tested in order to achieve appreciable progress in
research areas addressed by S. 734. Based on information from
the agency, CBO estimates that realizing recognizable gains
from such efforts would require appropriations totaling $400
million in 2012. That amount is roughly double the average
level of annual funding provided to DOE for vehicle technology
development over the 2000-2010 period and includes:
$200 million to expand general research and
development efforts related to alternative passenger
and light-duty commercial vehicles;
$130 million to expand and establish
research and development related to alternative medium-
and heavy-duty commercial vehicles and mass transit
vehicles;
$40 million to improve the energy efficiency
of manufacturing processes related to alternative
vehicles; and
$30 million to expand programs to develop
vehicle-sensing and communication technologies.
Assuming that future annual appropriations would remain at
that estimated 2012 level, adjusted for anticipated inflation,
CBO estimates that fully funding S. 734 would require
appropriations totaling $2.1 billion over the 2012-2016 period.
Resulting outlays over that period would total about $1.4
billion, with nearly $0.7 billion of additional spending
occurring in later years. CBO expects DOE would use those
amounts to fund a wider variety of research activities aimed at
achieving technical milestones. CBO estimates that
significantly accelerating the time frame in which new
technologies could become market ready would require even
larger increases in funding.
Reduced Authorizations
To offset a portion of increased discretionary spending, S.
734 would amend and repeal certain provisions of EPAct that
authorize a variety of activities related to vehicle
technologies. In particular, S. 734 would eliminate an existing
authorization to appropriate $30 million a year through 2018 to
support collaborative efforts to develop and demonstrate novel
and advanced energy storage systems for use in electric drive
vehicles. Assuming future appropriations are reduced
accordingly, CBO estimates that implementing that provision
would result in $107 million less in discretionary spending
over the 2012-2016 period and additional savings after 2016.
CBO also estimates that repealing and modifying other
provisions of EPAct specified in the bill would not
significantly affect discretionary spending.
Pay-As-You-Go considerations: None.
Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: S. 734
contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as
defined in UMRA and would impose no costs on state, local, or
tribal governments.
Estimate prepared by: Federal Costs: Megan Carroll; Impact
on State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Ryan Miller; Impact on
the Private Sector: Amy Petz.
Estimate approved by: Theresa Gullo, Deputy Assistant
Director for Budget Analysis.
Regulatory Impact Evaluation
In compliance with paragraph 11(b) of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee makes the following
evaluation of the regulatory impact which would be incurred in
carrying out S. 734.
The bill is not a regulatory measure in the sense of
imposing Government established standards or significant
economic responsibilities on private individuals and
businesses, but rather providing grants to private industry
that may be voluntarily applied for.
No personal information would be collected in administering
programs authorized under the bill. Therefore, there would be
no impact on personal privacy.
While an applicant to the grant programs authorized in the
measure will have to submit paperwork through the application
process, little if any additional paperwork would be required
of any entity or person that is not an applicant to a program.
Congressionally Directed Spending
The bill, as reported, does not contain any congressionally
directed spending items, limited tax benefits, or limited
tariff benefits as defined in rule XLIV of the Standing Rules
of the Senate.
Executive Communications
The testimony provided by the Department of Energy on May
19, 2011 follows:
Statement of Mr. Patrick Davis, Program Director, Vehicle Technologies
Program, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department
of Energy
Chairman Bingaman, Ranking Member Murkowski and Members of
the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to discuss the
Department's advanced vehicles technology programs. The
Administration is still reviewing S. 734 the Advanced Vehicles
Technology Act and S. 948 Promoting Electric Vehicles Act of
2011 and does not have a position on either bill at this time
and so this statement will provide only general DOE comments.
The transportation sector accounts for approximately two-
thirds of the United States' oil consumption and contributes to
one-third of the Nation's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.\1\
After housing, transportation is the second biggest monthly
expense for most American families.\2\ As the President said in
his recent energy speech, ``In an economy that relies so
heavily on oil, rising prices at the pump affect everybody.''
Emphasizing that ``there are no quick fixes,'' the President
outlined a portfolio of actions which, taken together, could
cut U.S. oil imports by a third by 2025. These include programs
that would put one million electric vehicles on the road by
2015.
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\1\http://wwwl.eere.energy.go/vehiclesandfuels/pdfs/vehicles_fs.pdf
\2\http://www.bls.gov/news.release/cesan.nr0.htm
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The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's
(EERE's) Vehicle Technologies Program (VTP) develops and
promotes energy-efficient, environmentally friendly
transportation technologies that will reduce petroleum
consumption and lower GHG emissions while meeting drivers'
expectations of vehicle performance. VTP's activities promote
energy security, environmental, and economic benefits in both
the near- and long-term.
Few technologies hold greater promise for reducing our
dependence on oil than electric vehicles. In his 2011 State of
the Union address, the President spoke of his goal to have the
United States become the first country with a million electric
vehicles on the road by 2015. Meeting this goal will help the
United States become a leader in the clean energy economy,
while capitalizing on the ingenuity of American industry.
Manufacturing products needed for the clean energy economy will
generate long term economic strength in the U.S., creating jobs
across the country while reducing air pollution and greenhouse
gas emissions.
EERE investments past, present, and future are critical to
achieving this goal. In 2009, the U.S. had only two, relatively
small, factories manufacturing advanced vehicle batteries, and
produced less than two percent of the world's hybrid vehicle
batteries.\3\ But over the next few years, thanks to
investments from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Recovery Act) in battery and electric drive component
manufacturing, and electric drive demonstration and
infrastructure, the U.S. will be able to produce enough
batteries and components to support 500,000 plug-in and
electric vehicles per year. High volume manufacturing, coupled
with battery technology advances, design optimization, and
material cost reductions, could lead to a drop in battery costs
of 50 percent by 2013 compared to 2009, which will lower the
cost of electric vehicles, making them accessible to more
consumers.
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\3\http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/
blueprint_secure_energy_future.pdf
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Further policies and research are needed to build on the
work under the Recovery Act. That is why the President's FY
2012 Budget proposes a new effort to support electric vehicle
manufacturing and adoption in the United States through new
consumer rebates, investments in R&D, and competitive programs
to encourage communities that invest in electric vehicle
infrastructure and regulatory streamlining. Specifically, the
Budget proposes to: transform the existing $7500 tax credit for
electric vehicles into a rebate that will be available to all
consumers immediately at the point of sale; advance innovative
technologies through new R&D investments, building on Recovery
Act investments, by investing $588 million for vehicle
technologies at DOE; and reward communities that invest in
electric vehicle infrastructure through a $200 million program
which provides an incentive for communities to invest in
electric vehicle infrastructure and remove regulatory barriers.
general comments on s. 948, the promoting electric vehicles act of 2011
The investments that we have made through the Recovery Act
as well as those in the Budget align with many of the
priorities that are reflected in the Promoting Electric
Vehicles Act of 2011--though we do not take a position on the
bill itself. Below, I will discuss some of the priorities
included in this bill:
One of the main elements of the Promoting Electric Vehicles
Act is a deployment program in which communities would be
chosen on a competitive basis to receive grants that would be
used to support integration of electric vehicles through means
such as installing charging infrastructure, updating building
codes. The Administration is supportive of this concept, which
is why the President's Budget includes $200 million to reward
communities for leadership in reducing regulatory barriers and
developing comprehensive electric vehicle-friendly
infrastructure.
Specifically, this funding will support a competitive
program within the Department of Energy to help communities
across the country become early adopters of electric vehicles
through regulatory streamlining, infrastructure investments,
vehicle fleet conversions, deployment of EV incentives (e.g.,
parking, HOV access) partnerships with major employers/
retailers, and workforce training. The FY 2012 Budget includes
a proposal that would allow up to 30 communities across the
country to receive grants of up to $10 million each on the
basis of their ability to demonstrate concrete reforms and to
use the funds to help catalyze electric vehicle deployment.
This approach builds on bi-partisan proposals and ideas
including some developed by the sponsors of this bill.
The Promoting Electric Vehicles Act of 2011 includes
provisions to promote near-term deployment of plug-in electric
drive vehicles, many of which may complement and supplement the
Department's ongoing activities, funded both through the
Recovery Act and annual appropriations. However, as stated
previously, the Administration is continuing to review this
extensive bill and does not have a position on it at this time.
S. 948 includes provisions which would support technical
assistance, workforce training, and a targeted communities
program to facilitate the rapid deployment of plug-in vehicles.
The bill's targeted deployment program would offer communities
of different sizes in various parts of the country an
opportunity to execute various deployment approaches and
develop best practices that can be shared nationwide to address
critical questions about planning and managing vehicle and
charging infrastructure deployment.
The Department notes that the community selection criteria
includes an emphasis on diversity of climate and type of
electric utility. Such diversity in pilot programs,
particularly across electricity-generation sources, would be
crucial for estimating the environmental impacts of expanded
adoption of plug-in electric drive vehicles.
DOE is already examining ways to work more closely with
communities on vehicle electrification and infrastructure
deployment, particularly in connection with our Clean Cities
Program. The coalitions that comprise the Clean Cities network
bring together state and local governments, early adopter
fleets, local utilities, infrastructure developers, and other
key stakeholders in a community to advance the deployment of
alternative fuel vehicles. These public private partnerships
are proven and effective resources for sharing information at
the local level and are primed to support the rollout of
electric drive vehicles and infrastructure. Our goal is to
better understand how the Department can support local
community efforts to deploy EVs and infrastructure.
To maximize the effectiveness of the targeted communities
program, the Department would seek to coordinate this effort
with related ongoing projects to deploy electric drive vehicles
and infrastructure. Our Recovery Act projects for
transportation electrification are building critical expertise
through large-scale vehicle and infrastructure deployment,
collecting data on vehicle-grid interaction and producing
valuable lessons learned that can support and help to
accelerate future deployments in other communities. We note
that the deployment community selection criteria as outlined in
the legislation, is crafted to help ensure that the selected
communities stand up as models for deployment across the
country.
We also believe that technical assistance is vital to the
successful rollout of any proposed national deployment program
for electric drive vehicles. The Department is well positioned
to disseminate information and provide training and technical
assistance to communities seeking to accelerate EV deployment.
As an example, and as noted earlier, the Clean Cities network
is primed to share best practices and lessons learned about
permitting and inspection processes, as well as other local
ordinances and opportunities for code official and first
responder training. I would like to note, however, that the
Department plays a supporting role in the development of model
codes and standards. In regard to this provision, we can bring
value to the process because of our extensive experience
working with code development organizations (CDOs) and
standards development organizations (SDOs) to facilitate
consensus around the development and adoption of vehicle- and
infrastructure-related codes and standards. We are also working
to enable the harmonization of codes and standards at an
international level collaborating with the National Institute
of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Department of
Transportation, as well as with the private sector. Standards
and codes for electric vehicles must be consistent with the
broader Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP) effort led by
NIST.
The Promoting Electric Vehicles Act includes several other
significant provisions in addition to the National Plug-in
Electric Drive Deployment Program; I will briefly comment on
several of them here.
The bill authorizes a R&D program focused on
advanced batteries, electric drive components, and other
technologies supporting the manufacture and deployment of
electric drive vehicles and charging infrastructure. These
priorities are aligned closely with ongoing activities in the
Vehicle Technologies Program--specifically, our Batteries and
Electric Drive Technology subprogram, which includes advanced
battery R&D and advanced power electronics and electric
machines, as well as our Vehicle and Systems Simulation and
Testing subprogram, which includes work to examine vehicle and
infrastructure interface issues through testing and evaluation.
Notably, the President's FY 2012 Budget request will
significantly broaden R&D investments in technologies like
batteries and electric drives--including an over 30 per cent
increase in support for vehicle technology R&D and a new Energy
Innovation Hub devoted to improving batteries and energy
storage for vehicles and beyond.
The bill focuses on Federal electric vehicle
upgrades. I note that the Administration shares your commitment
to upgrading the federal fleet and is finalizing the
procurement of 100 electric vehicles.
The bill also discusses partnership with the
private sector surrounding vehicle upgrades, an area where
Administration policies are strong. Specifically, we recently
announced the Clean Fleets partnership. This program is focused
on working with private sector partnerships to help them become
leaders in deploying advance vehicles--including electric
vehicles--and technical assistance is a critical component of
the program. In fact, DOE has developed a wide range of
technical tools to help partner companies to navigate the world
of alternative fuels and advanced vehicles. A diverse
collection of cost calculators, interactive maps, customizable
database searches, and mobile applications puts vital
information and analysis at fleets' finger tips. This is just
one example of our activities in this area--and shows how
important we think it is to offer technical assistance.
We also understand and appreciate the Committee's
interest in a technical advisory committee focused on plug-in
hybrid vehicles. We place great value in independent reviews
and external input to our program. You may be aware that the
National Academy of Sciences National Research Council conducts
independent biennial reviews of both our light-duty and heavy-
duty vehicle research programs.
With respect to the new loan guarantee authorities
included in the bill, we are continuing to evaluate these
proposals. At a minimum, we would want any credit assistance to
be the most efficient and effective means of achieving policy
goals, and therefore any new authorities should comply with
Federal credit policies to mitigate cost and risk to the
taxpayer.
comments on s. 734 the advanced vehicle technology act of 2011
While the Administration is still reviewing S. 734 and has
no position on the bill at this time, it appears that the
program authorized by the bill could complement several of the
Department's current activities focused on increasing vehicle
energy efficiency. The Vehicle Technologies Program is meeting
the transportation challenge with an integrated portfolio of
advanced vehicle and fuel research, development, demonstration,
and deployment activities. We are accomplishing this work in
collaboration with industry leaders, national laboratories,
universities, state and local governments, and other
stakeholders. S. 734 could further support the widespread
commercialization of advanced vehicle and fuel technologies to
reduce U.S. oil consumption, strengthen our economy, and reduce
air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. That being said, we
suggest that the Director of the program be appointed by the
Secretary within the Office of Vehicle Technologies itself to
facilitate better coordination across activities with similar
goals and work.
Further, it also appears that Section 102 ``Sensing and
Communications Technologies,'' would unnecessarily duplicate
the existing research, development, and demonstration efforts
of the Department of Transportation's National Intelligent
Transportation Systems Program. We recommend against such
duplicative Federal programs.
In sum, the Department's transportation portfolio will save
consumers money, reduce our dependence on oil, lower our
environmental impact, and keep America on the cutting edge of
clean energy technologies, enabling us to build a 21st century
clean energy economy. Thank you again for the opportunity to
discuss these issues, and I welcome any questions you may have.
Changes In Existing Law
In compliance with paragraph 12 of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, changes in existing law made by
the bill S. 734, as ordered reported, are shown as follows
(existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black
brackets, new matter is printed in italic, existing law in
which no change is proposed is shown in roman):
ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005
Public Law 109-58, as amended
AN ACT To ensure jobs for our future with secure, affordable, and
reliable energy.
* * * * * * *
TITLE VII--VEHICLES AND FUELS
Subtitle A--Existing Programs
* * * * * * *
[SEC. 706. JOINT FLEXIBLE FUEL/HYBRID VEHICLE COMMERCIALIZATION
INITIATIVE.
[(a) Definitions.--In this section:
[(1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity''
means--
[(A) a for profit corporation;
[(B) a nonprofit corporation; or
[(C) an institution of higher education.
[(2) Program.--The term ``program'' means a program
established under subsection (b).
[(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a
program to improve technologies for the commercialization of--
[(1) a combination hybrid/flexible fuel vehicle; or
[(2) a plug-in hybrid/flexible fuel vehicle.
[(c) Grants.--In carrying out the program, the Secretary
shall provide grants that give preference to proposals that--
[(1) achieve the greatest reduction in miles per
gallon of petroleum fuel consumption;
[(2) achieve not less than 250 miles per gallon of
petroleum fuel consumption; and
[(3) have the greatest potential of commercialization
to the general public within 5 years.
[(d) Verification.--Not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish in the
Federal Register procedures to verify--
[(1) the hybrid/flexible fuel vehicle technologies to
be demonstrated; and
[(2) that grants are administered in accordance with
this section.
[(e) Report.--Not later than 260 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary
shall submit to Congress a report that--
[(1) identifies the grant recipients;
[(2) describes the technologies to be funded under
the program;
[(3) assesses the feasibility of the technologies
described in paragraph (2) in meeting the goals
described in subsection (c);
[(4) identifies applications submitted for the
program that were not funded; and
[(5) makes recommendations for Federal legislation to
achieve commercialization of the technology
demonstrated.
[(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section, to remain
available until expended--
[(1) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2006;
[(2) $7,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
[(3) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2008; and
[(4) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2009.]
* * * * * * *
Subtitle B--Hybrid Vehicles, Advanced Vehicles, and Fuel Cell Buses
PART I--HYBRID VEHICLES
[SEC. 711. HYBRID VEHICLES.
[The Secretary shall accelerate efforts directed toward the
improvement of batteries and other rechargeable energy storage
systems, power electronics, hybrid systems integration, and
other technologies for use in hybrid vehicles.]
[SEC. 712. EFFICIENT HYBRID AND ADVANCED DIESEL VEHICLES.
[(a) Program.--
[(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
program to encourage domestic production and sales of
efficient hybrid and advanced diesel vehicles and
components of those vehicles.
[(2) Inclusions.--The program shall include grants to
automobile manufacturers and suppliers and hybrid component
manufacturers to encourage domestic production of efficient
hybrid, plug-in electric hybrid, plug-in electric drive, and
advanced diesel vehicles.
[(3) Priority.--Priority shall be given to the
refurbishment or retooling of manufacturing facilities that
have recently ceased operation or will cease operation in the
near future.
[(b) Cooperation With State and Local Programs.--The
Secretary may coordinate implementation of this section with
State and local programs designed to accomplish similar goals,
including the retention and retraining of skilled workers from
the manufacturing facilities, including by establishing
matching grant arrangements.
[(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary for carrying out this
section such sums as may be necessary to carry out this
section.]
* * * * * * *
TITLE IX--RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
* * * * * * *
Subtitle A--Energy Efficiency
* * * * * * *
SEC. 911. ENERGY EFFICIENCY.
(a) In General.--
(1) Objectives.--The Secretary shall conduct programs
of energy efficiency research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application, including
activities described in this part. Such programs shall
take into consideration the following objectives:
(A) Increasing the energy efficiency of
[vehicles,]buildings, and industrial processes.
(B) Reducing the demand of the United States
for energy, especially energy from foreign
sources.
(C) Reducing the cost of energy and making
the economy more efficient and competitive.
(D) Improving the energy security of the
United States.
(E) Reducing the environmental impact of
energy-related activities.
(2) Programs.--Programs under this subtitle shall
include research, development, demonstration, and
commercial application of--
[(A) advanced, cost-effective technologies to
improve the energy efficiency and environmental
performance of vehicles, including--
[(i) hybrid and electric propulsion
systems;
[(ii) plug-in hybrid systems;
[(iii) advanced combustion engines;
[(iv) weight and drag reduction
technologies;
[(v) whole-vehicle design
optimization; and
[(vi) advanced drive trains;]
[(B)](A) cost-effective technologies, for new
construction and retrofit, to improve the
energy efficiency and environmental performance
of buildings, using a whole-buildings approach,
including onsite renewable energy generation;
[(C)](B) advanced technologies to improve the
energy efficiency, environmental performance,
and process efficiency of energy-intensive and
waste-intensive industries;
[(D)](C) advanced control devices to improve
the energy efficiency of electric motors,
including those used in industrial processes,
heating, ventilation, and cooling; and
[(E)](D) technologies to improve the energy
efficiency of appliances and mechanical systems
for buildings in cold climates, including
combined heat and power units and increased use
of renewable resources, including fuel.
* * * * * * *
(c) Allocations.--From amounts authorized under subsection
(b), the following sums are authorized:
(1) For activities under section 16192 of this title,
$50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2009.
(2) For activities under section 16195 of this title,
$7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2009.
[(3) For activities under subsection (A)(2)(A)--
[(A) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
[(B) $270,000,000 for fiscal year 2008; and
[(C) $310,000,000 for fiscal year 2009.]
[(4)] (3) For activities under subsection [(a)(2)(D)]
(a)(2)(C), $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 and
2008.
* * * * * * *
Subtitle C--Renewable Energy
* * * * * * *
[SEC. 933. LOW-COST RENEWABLE HYDROGEN AND INFRASTRUCTURE FOR VEHICLE
PROPULSION.
[The Secretary shall--
[(1) establish a research, development, and
demonstration program to determine the feasibility of
using hydrogen propulsion in light-weight vehicles and
the integration of the associated hydrogen production
infrastructure using off-the-shelf components; and
[(2) identify universities and institutions that--
[(A) have expertise in researching and
testing vehicles fueled by hydrogen, methane,
and other fuels;
[(B) have expertise in integrating off-the-
shelf components to minimize cost; and
[(C) within 2 years can test a vehicle based
on an existing commercially available platform
with a curb weight of not less than 2,000
pounds before modifications, that--
[(i) operates solely on hydrogen;
[(ii) qualifies as a light-duty
passenger vehicle; and
[(iii) uses hydrogen produced from
water using only solar energy.]
* * * * * * *
ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SECURITY ACT OF 2007
Public Law 110-140, as amended
AN ACT To move the United States toward greater energy independence and
security, to increase the production of clean renewable fuels, to
protect consumers, to increase the efficiency of products, buildings,
and vehicles, to promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture
and storage options, and to improve the energy performance of the
Federal Government, and for other purposes.
* * * * * * *
TITLE VI--ACCELERATED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
* * * * * * *
Subtitle D--Energy Storage for Transportation and Electric Power
* * * * * * *
SEC. 641. ENERGY STORAGE COMPETITIVENESS.
* * * * * * *
[(j) Vehicle Energy Storage Demonstration.--
[(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a
program of electric drive vehicle energy storage
technology demonstrations.
[(2) Consortia.--The technology demonstrations shall
be conducted through consortia, which may include--
[(A) energy storage systems manufacturers and
suppliers of the manufacturers;
[(B) electric drive vehicle manufacturers;
[(C) rural electric cooperatives;
[(D) investor owned utilities;
[(E) municipal and rural electric utilities;
[(F) State and local governments;
[(G) metropolitan transportation authorities;
and
[(H) institutions of higher education.]
[(k)] (j) Secondary Applications and Disposal of Electric
Drive Vehicle Batteries.--The Secretary shall carry out a
program of research, development, and demonstration of--
(1) secondary applications of energy storage devices
following service in electric drive vehicles; and
(2) technologies and processes for final recycling
and disposal of the devices.
[(l)] (k) Cost Sharing.--The Secretary shall carry out the
programs established under this section in accordance with
section 16352 of this title.
[(m)] (l) Merit Review of Proposals.--The Secretary shall
carry out the programs established under subsections (i), (j),
and (k) in accordance with section 16353 of this title.
[(n)] (m) Coordination and Nonduplication.--To the maximum
extent practicable, the Secretary shall coordinate activities
under this section with other programs and laboratories of the
Department and other Federal research programs.
[(o)] (n) Review by National Academy of Sciences.--On the
business day that is 5 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall offer to enter into an
arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to assess the
performance of the Department in carrying out this section.
[(p)] (o) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out--
(1) the basic research program under subsection (f)
$50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2018;
(2) the applied research program under subsection (g)
$80,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2018;
[and;]
(3) the energy storage research center program under
subsection (h) $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2009 through 2018;
(4) the energy storage systems demonstration program
under subsection (i) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2009 through 2018; and
[(5) the vehicle energy storage demonstration program
under subsection (j) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2009 through 2018; and]
[(6)] (5) the secondary applications and disposal of
electric drive vehicle batteries program under
[subsection (k)] subsection (j) $5,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2009 through 2018.
* * * * * * *