Carson: Clean Energy Investment Critical to Our National Security and Financial Stability
September 16, 2009
September 16, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman André Carson issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 3246, the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act, which will establish a national vehicle research and development program focused on the creation of innovative alternative energies and fuel efficient vehicle technologies:
"Each year, the United States exports billions of dollars overseas to purchase oil from the Middle East and other regions around the globe. This massive expenditure not only puts our national security at risk, but it impacts our long-term financial stability as well.
"Our addiction to foreign oil has to end.
"Fortunately, we are moving toward an economic strategy under this President and Congress that aims to reduce our dependence on overseas petrol. With today's vote, the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act can become a pillar of this strategy by renewing our focus on creating critical alternative energy technologies.
"By passing this legislation, we are strengthening our investment in American innovation and technology that boosts fuel efficiency, creates jobs, helps rebuild our economy and protects our national security."
More on HR 3246 and other clean energy initiatives
The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act will build on the historic fuel efficiency standards enacted in 2007, as well as the success with the Cash for Clunkers program – a national program that rewarded Americans who turned in almost 700,000 gas-guzzling and air-polluting older cars for newer, more fuel-efficient models.
Earlier this year, the House also passed a historic clean energy jobs bill that will help the private sector create millions of new American jobs that cannot be shipped overseas and assist energy-intensive industries transition to a cleaner, more profitable future. It will also allow us to export American technology and innovation to rest of world and cut our oil use by 5 million barrels a day by 2030 – the equivalent of what we import now from Venezuela and the Middle East.
This week, the Obama Administration also announced new auto fuel economy standards that increase efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to help consumers save money at the pump and decrease our dependence on foreign oil.
The bipartisan Advanced Vehicle Technology Act is supported by a broad coalition, including labor groups like the United Autoworkers, auto companies such as Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Chrysler and business groups like the National Association of Manufacturers.
###