For Immediate Release

July 11, 2007

WEST WING STAR ROB LOWE TO TESTIFY FOR PLUG-IN HYBRID CARS; Select Committee Chairman Markey Brings Actor, Experts, Officials to Highlight Potential of 150 MPG Vehicles

--VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION TO FOLLOW--
 

(Washington, DC) - Continuing its examination of promising technologies to cut our nation's oil dependence and  global warming pollution, this Thursday the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming will explore the potential of plug-in hybrid vehicles.

 
Plug-in hybrids are similar to regular hybrids in that they have both an electric and gasoline motor, but are also fitted with an additional battery pack that can be plugged in, supplying enough power to travel 20 to 60 miles on a single charge rather than on gasoline. Combined with more renewable energy powering the electric grid, and cleaner ethanol fuels, plug-in hybrids can be a significant factor in the drive towards energy independence and putting the brakes on global warming.

The hearing will be followed by a hands-on demonstration of the cars on the Capitol grounds.

WHAT: Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming hearing, "Plugging into Energy Independence with 150 MPG Vehicles"

WHO:
Frank Gaffney, President, Center for Security Policy
Rob Lowe, Actor and Advocate
David Vieau, President and CEO, A123 Systems
Will Wynn, Mayor of Austin, Texas

WHEN: 10 AM, Thursday, July 12, 2007

WHERE: 2318 Rayburn House Office Building and on the web at globalwarming.house.gov

Vehicle demonstration will immediately follow hearing on New Jersey Avenue SE between C and D streets

 

 
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The House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming was formed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to increase the visibility and priority given to America’s oil dependence and global warming challenges. It is chaired by Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and will actively explore the solutions, science and progress on these pressing issues during the 110th Congress.

Contact: Eben Burnham-Snyder

Phone: (202) 225-4012