The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) applauds the passage of comprehensive federal energy legislation. H.R. 6 was passed by the House and Senate yesterday, and was signed into law by President Bush.

EDTA Statement on the HR 6 Energy Bill

Washington, DC—December 19, 2007—The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) applauds the passage of comprehensive federal energy legislation. H.R. 6 was passed by the House and Senate yesterday, and was signed into law by President Bush today.

"While not perfect, the bill includes substantial support for electric drive, which shows Congress' growing understanding of the technology's importance to a sustainable energy policy," says EDTA President Brian Wynne. "HR 6 includes important support for electric drive research, development, demonstration and deployment of electric drive technologies, which will result in real reductions in oil consumption and greenhouse gases and real increases in energy security and environmental quality."

Specifically, some of the bill's electric drive highlights are: authorizing $185 million annually in grants for public and private efforts to use plug-in electric drive vehicles and non-road electric drive technology; providing grants and loan guarantees for advanced vehicles, components and advanced battery manufacturing; directing that electric drive be recognized in federal fleet requirements; authorizing up to $25 billion in direct loans for advanced vehicles manufacturing; and authorizing $295 million a year for a comprehensive energy storage research and demonstration program.

"While we are disappointed that the bill does not include the critical tax incentives for electric drive that were part of a larger tax package, EDTA is pleased that Congress recognizes electric drive as a key to solving the serious problems created by oil dependence. We are ready to work with them to build on our successes in this bill in the year ahead." says Wynne.

About the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA):

EDTA, the trade association representing battery, hybrid and fuel cell electric drive technologies and infrastructure, provides public policy advocacy, education, industry networking, and international conferences. EDTA's membership includes automotive and other equipment manufacturers, utilities, technology developers, component suppliers, and government agencies. For more information about EDTA, visit www.electricdrive.org.