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Press Release

For Immediate Release
April 29, 2008
Contact: Sean C. Bonyun
(202) 225-3761

Upton Joins Knollenberg Effort to Boost Auto Sector, Create Jobs in MI
Measure positions automakers and suppliers for next generation of vehicles

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph), co-chair of the Congressional Auto Caucus, applauded Michigan Rep. Joe Knollenberg’s legislation to boost the U.S. auto industry and create jobs in Michigan.  Rep. Knollenberg introduced the “Bridging Industry and Government Through Hi-Tech Research on Energy Efficiency Act of 2008” (BIG THREE Act) this afternoon.  Upton is an original sponsor of the important legislation.

“We need this bill to further encourage automakers and suppliers to develop innovative, energy-efficient technologies – rewarding ingenuity rather than suffocating the industry with government red tape,” said Upton.  “This measure partners with U.S. automakers and suppliers to harness new technologies as the industry scrambles to meet the new federal CAFE standards.  Fostering the research and development of new technologies will put American manufacturers in prime position to compete across the globe as the next generation of vehicles evolves.  Fortifying the auto sector will further boost Michigan’s economy, and the emergence of reliable new technologies will return jobs to our own backyard.”

Highlights of the BIG THREE Act include:

• Making the research and development (R&D) tax credit fully refundable for companies engaging in advanced fuel technology R&D.  This would benefit both the auto makers and smaller automotive suppliers who are working on advanced fuel technologies. 

• Providing support for advanced battery research, one of the most promising alternative fuel options.

• Creating two hydrogen fuel station pilot programs, with a goal of at least 200 publicly available pumps at currently existing retail gas stations by 2013.   In addition, instructing the federal government to invest in a hydrogen-fueled automotive fleet.

• Requiring the EPA to streamline protocols and regulations on biodiesel, allowing a harmonized blend useable in all biodiesel-compatible engines.

• Establishing an interagency federal taskforce on CAFE standards, which would focus on ensuring attainable goals are being set and reasonable assistance is being provided by the federal government to the automakers.  This streamlining of government will ensure better use of taxpayer dollars and greater government efficiency.

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