[House Report 110-855]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
110th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session 110-855
======================================================================
HEAVY DUTY HYBRID VEHICLE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND DEMONSTRATION ACT
OF 2008
_______
September 16, 2008.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Gordon of Tennessee, from the Committee on Science and Technology,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 6323]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Science and Technology, to whom was referred
the bill (H.R. 6323) to establish a research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application program to promote
research of appropriate technologies for heavy duty plug-in
hybrid vehicles, and for other purposes, having considered the
same, report favorably thereon with an amendment and recommend
that the bill as amended do pass.
CONTENTS
Page
I. Amendment.......................................................2
II. Purpose of the Bill.............................................4
III. Background and Need for the Legislation.........................4
IV. Hearing Summary.................................................6
V. Committee Actions...............................................8
VI. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill.........................9
VII. Section-by-Section Analysis of the Bill (by Section)...........10
VIII. Committee Views................................................11
IX. Cost Estimate..................................................12
X. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate......................12
XI. Compliance With Public Law 104-4...............................13
XII. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations...............13
XIII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives..........13
XIV. Constitutional Authority Statement.............................13
XV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement...........................13
XVI. Congressional Accountability Act...............................13
XVII. Earmark Identification.........................................13
XVIII.Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law.........13
XIX. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported..........14
XX. Committee Recommendations......................................14
XXI. Proceedings of the Subcommittee Markup.........................15
XXII. Proceedings of the Full Committee Markup.......................34
I. Amendment
The amendment is as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Heavy Duty Hybrid Vehicle Research,
Development, and Demonstration Act of 2008''.
SEC. 2. ADVANCED HEAVY DUTY HYBRID VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH,
DEVELOPMENT, DEMONSTRATION, AND COMMERCIAL
APPLICATION PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a competitive
research, development, demonstration, and commercial application
program (referred to in this Act as the ``program'') to provide grants
to applicants to carry out projects to advance research and development
and to demonstrate technologies for advanced heavy duty hybrid
vehicles.
(b) Applications.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall issue requirements for
applying for grants under the program.
(2) Selection criteria.--The Secretary shall establish
selection criteria for awarding grants under the program. In
evaluating applications, the Secretary shall--
(A) consider the ability of applicants to
successfully complete both phases described in
subsection (c); and
(B) give priority to applicants who are best able
to--
(i) fill existing research gaps and achieve
the greatest advances beyond the state of
current technology; and
(ii) achieve the greatest reduction in fuel
consumption and emissions.
(3) Partners.--An applicant for a grant under this section
may carry out a project in partnership with other entities.
(4) Schedule.--
(A) Application request.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register, and
elsewhere as appropriate, a request for applications to
undertake projects under the program. Applications
shall be due not later than 90 days after the date of
such publication.
(B) Application selection.--Not later than 90 days
after the date on which applications for grants under
the program are due, the Secretary shall select,
through a competitive process, all applicants to be
awarded a grant under the program.
(5) Number of grants.--The Secretary shall determine the
number of grants to be awarded under the program based on the
technical merits of the applications received. The number of
grants awarded under the program shall not be less than 3 or
more than 7, and at least half of the grants awarded shall be
for plug-in hybrid technology.
(6) Award amounts.--The Secretary shall award not more than
$3,000,000 to each recipient per year for each of the 3 years
of the project.
(c) Program Requirements; Two Phases.--Each grant recipient shall be
required to complete two phases:
(1) Phase one.--
(A) In general.--In phase one, the recipient shall
research and demonstrate advanced hybrid technology by
producing or retrofitting one or more advanced heavy
duty hybrid vehicles.
(B) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the
completion of phase one, the recipient shall submit to
the Secretary a report containing data and analysis
of--
(i) the performance of each vehicle in
carrying out the testing procedures developed
by the Secretary under subparagraph (E);
(ii) the performance during such testing of
each vehicle's components, including the
battery, energy management system, charging
system, and power controls;
(iii) the projected cost of each vehicle,
including acquisition, operating, and
maintenance costs; and
(iv) the emissions levels of each vehicle,
including greenhouse gas levels.
(C) Termination.--The Secretary may terminate the
grant program with respect to the project of a
recipient at the conclusion of phase one if the
Secretary determines that the recipient cannot
successfully complete the requirements of phase two.
(D) Timing.--Phase one begins upon receipt of a grant
under the program and has a duration of one year.
(E) Testing procedures.--The Secretary shall develop
standard testing procedures to be used by recipients in
testing each vehicle. Such procedures shall include
testing a vehicle's performance under typical operating
conditions.
(2) Phase two.--
(A) In general.--In phase two, the recipient shall
demonstrate advanced manufacturing processes and
technologies by producing or retrofitting 50 advanced
heavy duty hybrid vehicles.
(B) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the
completion of phase two, the recipient shall submit to
the Secretary a report containing--
(i) an analysis of the technological
challenges encountered by the recipient in the
development of the vehicles;
(ii) an analysis of the technological
challenges involved in mass producing the
vehicles; and
(iii) the manufacturing cost of each vehicle,
the estimated sale price of each vehicle, and
the cost of a comparable non-hybrid vehicle.
(C) Timing.--Phase two begins at the conclusion of
phase one and has a duration of two years.
(d) Research on Vehicle Usage and Alternative Drive Trains.--The
Secretary shall conduct research into alternative power train designs
for use in advanced heavy duty hybrid vehicles. Such research shall
compare the estimated cost, including operating and maintenance costs,
emissions reductions, and fuel savings of each design with similar non-
hybrid power train designs under the conditions in which these vehicles
are typically used, including, for each vehicle type--
(1) number of miles driven;
(2) time spent with the engine at idle;
(3) horsepower requirements;
(4) length of time the maximum or near maximum power output
of the vehicle is needed; and
(5) any other factors that the Secretary considers
appropriate.
(e) Report to the Congress.--Not later than 60 days after the
Secretary receives the reports from grant recipients under subsection
(c)(2)(B), the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report
containing--
(1) an identification of the grant recipients and a
description of the projects to be funded;
(2) an identification of all applicants who submitted
applications for the program;
(3) all data contained in reports submitted by grant
recipients under subsection (c);
(4) a description of the vehicles produced or retrofitted by
recipients in phase one and phase two of the project, including
an analysis of the fuel efficiency of such vehicles; and
(5) the results of the research carried out under subsections
(d) and (h).
(f) Coordination and Nonduplication.--To the maximum extent
practicable, the Secretary shall coordinate, and not duplicate,
activities under this Act with other programs and laboratories of the
Department of Energy and other Federal research programs.
(g) Cost Sharing.--Section 988 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42
U.S.C. 16352) shall apply to the program established pursuant to this
section.
(h) Electrical Grid Research Pilot Program.--The Secretary shall
establish a pilot program through the National Laboratories and
Technology Centers of the Department of Energy to research and test the
effects on the domestic electric power grid of the widespread use of
plug-in hybrid vehicles, including plug-in hybrid vehicles that are
advanced heavy duty hybrid vehicles.
(i) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(1) Advanced heavy duty hybrid vehicle.--The term ``advanced
heavy duty hybrid vehicle'' means a vehicle with a gross weight
between 14,000 pounds and 33,000 pounds that is fueled, in
part, by a rechargeable energy storage system.
(2) Greenhouse gas.--The term ``greenhouse gas'' means--
(A) carbon dioxide;
(B) methane;
(C) nitrous oxide;
(D) hydrofluorocarbons;
(E) perfluorocarbons; or
(F) sulfur hexafluoride.
(3) Plug-in hybrid.--The term ``plug-in hybrid'' means a
vehicle fueled, in part, by electrical power that can be
recharged by connecting the vehicle to an electric power
source.
(4) Retrofit.--The term ``retrofit'' means the process of
creating an advanced heavy duty hybrid vehicle by converting an
existing, fuel-powered vehicle.
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Energy.
(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary
$16,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011 to carry
out this section.
(2) Of the funds authorized under paragraph (1), not more
than $1,000,000 per fiscal year may be used for--
(A) carrying out the studies required under
subsection (d);
(B) carrying out the pilot program required under
subsection (h); and
(C) the administration of the program.
SEC. 3. EXPANDING RESEARCH IN HYBRID TECHNOLOGY FOR LARGE VEHICLES.
Subsection (g)(1) of the United States Energy Storage Competitiveness
Act of 2007 (enacted as section 641(g)(1) of the Energy Independence
and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17231(g)(1))) is amended by
inserting ``vehicles with a gross weight over 16,000 pounds,'' before
``stationary applications''.
II. Purpose of the Bill
The purpose of H.R. 6323, the ``Heavy Hybrid Truck
Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2008,'' is to
establish a research, development, demonstration, and
commercial application program to promote research of
appropriate technologies for heavy duty hybrid vehicles, and
for other purposes.
III. Background and Need for Legislation
Because large, heavy duty trucks rely on a diesel or
gasoline internal combustion engine for power, they typically
have relatively low fuel economy and high emissions. This is
especially evident in trucks with duty-cycles that require
frequent starts and stops or long periods of engine idling to
power auxiliary systems such as bucket lifters, trash
compactors, off-board power tools, air conditioning,
refrigeration, or other work-related equipment. Switching a
portion of the driving and auxiliary power loads away from the
internal combustion engine to an alternate power source would
enable these vehicles to realize considerable fuel savings and
emissions reductions compared to conventional models. The
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that an average
delivery truck using a hybrid drive system could save
approximately 1,000 gallons of diesel per year compared to one
with a conventional drive system.
High fuel prices and tightening emissions standards provide
an added impetus for the development of new heavy duty hybrid
truck systems. Several manufacturers have technologies in
various stages of development for a range of large commercial
vehicle platforms such as package delivery vans, buses, refuse
collection trucks, large utility ``bucket'' trucks,
construction vehicles, and short- and long-haul tractor trailer
trucks. Research supported by the Department of Defense (DOD)
has also been a key driver of innovation for heavy hybrids
since these technologies can provide several strategic
advantages including substantial noise reduction, a source of
alternative power for radar and weapons systems, reduction of
overall weight and maintenance requirements, and longer ranges
between vehicle refueling. Despite substantial investment in
both the defense and commercial sectors, the cost of research
and development and the final price of heavy duty hybrid
vehicles remain prohibitively high, even for military
applications. Consequently, there remain significant technical
obstacles to development and final commercial application of
these technologies that federally-sponsored R&D activities can
help to overcome.
Managing a comprehensive federal R&D program is complicated
by the fact that there is no one-size-fits-all hybrid solution
for the entire heavy duty vehicle sector. The power demands of
heavy duty trucks are as varied as the applications, and
deploying hybrid models into heavy truck fleets is more
complicated than simply scaling up the hybrid systems used for
passenger vehicles. For example, through the course of an
average drive cycle the charging and discharging of a hybrid
system on a refuse truck with its frequent starts and stops,
dumpster lifting, and trash compaction will be considerably
different than that of a utility truck, which may idle in one
place for several hours to operate a boom or other equipment.
Furthermore, developing hybrid systems for long-haul tractor
trailer rigs (Class VIII) presents an even greater challenge
since these vehicles seldom brake during a drive cycle,
providing few opportunities for battery systems to recharge
through regenerative braking. The energy storage devices and
related control systems may be altogether different for each of
these platforms. Future generations of heavy trucks may also
include plug-in hybrid electric models that can store more
electric energy in larger banks of batteries and charge these
batteries through direct connection to the electricity grid
either while in operation on a jobsite or in a parking lot or
garage.
The majority of federal funding for hybrid vehicle R&D has
focused on passenger vehicles which far outnumber heavy trucks.
However, the federal R&D portfolio should address the
significant potential for fuel savings and emissions reductions
through improvements in the heavy duty vehicle sector, and take
advantage of the ability of this sector to deploy new
technologies quickly. For example, according to the Oshkosh
Truck Corporation, there are approximately 90,000 refuse trucks
in the United States. Their collective fuel consumption is
equivalent to 2.5 million passenger vehicles (based on 10,000
gallons/year per truck). Eaton Corporation estimates that as
few as 10,000 hybrid electric trucks could reduce diesel fuel
usage by 7.2 million gallons per year (approx. 1 million
barrels of oil), reduce annual NOX emissions by the
amount equivalent to removing New York City's passenger cars
for 25 days, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 83,000
tons.
Energy storage technology options for hybrid trucks
generally include batteries, hybrid hydraulic systems, and
ultra-capacitors. Batteries receive the most attention and
research funding because of their applicability throughout the
transportation sector. To expand the use of electricity in the
vehicles sector, batteries must be smaller, lighter, cheaper,
and more powerful. Vehicle batteries typically fall into one of
three families of technologies: lead-acid, nickel metal hydride
(NiMH), and lithium-ion (Li-ion). Lead-acid batteries have many
advantages including their relative simplicity and low cost,
wide-scale availability, domestic manufacturing capacity, and
established recycling infrastructure. NiMH batteries are found
in the current generation of hybrid vehicles and will be the
battery of choice for many of the first generation heavy hybrid
trucks. However, high weight and low power density are
significant issues for both lead-acid and NiMH batteries. Many
in the industry believe the future of hybrids depends on
breakthroughs in new battery technologies, such as the lithium-
ion (Li-ion) batteries with their comparatively low weight and
high power density. In addition to resolving remaining serious
technical issues such as heat management, the cost of
manufacturing Li-ion batteries remains prohibitively high for
large-scale deployment in vehicles. There is also concern that
the U.S. is falling behind countries like Japan, China and
France in the race to develop and mass produce batteries for
hybrid vehicles. Consequently, a significant effort is underway
to build up a domestic supply chain.
Plug-in hybrid applications that include an energy storage
system charged by an external power source are a particularly
attractive option for certain platforms of heavy dutyvehicles.
Furthermore, heavy trucks fleets provide a valuable test-bed for
demonstrating technologies that may ultimately end up in the passenger
vehicle market. Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV) is a critical near-to-
mid term technology option for drastically reducing the nation's
dependence on foreign oil. PHEV's, unlike traditional hybrid
application, shift most of the vehicle's energy source from petroleum
to domestically-produced power from the electricity grid while still
providing sufficient power to handle heavy duty applications. Some
studies suggest that PHEV's may have the added benefit of reducing
transportation-related carbon emissions, even if the electricity is
generated solely from coal. Much research remains in developing the
technology to reduce the weight and cost of the systems while improving
reliability.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has funded limited research
on the hybridization of trucks, most recently through the 21st
Century Truck Partnership which conducts research and
development through joint public and private efforts. Other
federal agencies involved in the 21st Century Truck Partnership
include the Department of Defense, the Department of
Transportation, and EPA. Because of the highly fragmented
nature of the heavy duty vehicle manufacturing industry, there
is limited in-house research and testing capabilities for even
the largest of firms. The industry often relies on research
efforts of unique Federal facilities such as DOE's National
Renewable Energy Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory,
the EPA's National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory, and
the Army's National Automotive Center. Despite the potential
economic and environmental benefits of hybrid trucks and the
considerable technical hurdles that remain, the 21st Century
Truck Partnership is facing decreased funding and an uncertain
future as the administration chooses to focus federal research
on the passenger vehicle market. DOE does not currently offer
any competitive grants that target the development of
technologies applicable for use in hybrid trucks.
IV. Hearing Summary
The Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing
entitled, ``Hybrid Technologies for Medium-to-Heavy Duty
Commercial Vehicles,'' on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 to receive
testimony from the following witnesses:
Mr. Terry Penney, Technology Manager,
Advanced Vehicle and Fuel Technologies, National
Renewable Energy Laboratory
Mr. Eric M. Smith, Chief Engineer, Hybrid
Medium Duty Truck, Eaton Corporation
Mr. Joseph Dalum, Vice President, Dueco Inc.
Ms. Jill Egbert, Manager, Clean Air
Transportation, Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E)
Mr. Richard Parish, Senior Program Manager,
Calstart--Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF)
The hearing focused on a discussion draft of a bill to
authorize a research, development and demonstration program on
heavy duty hybrid vehicles authored by Rep. James
Sensenbrenner.
The witnesses all indicated a need for ongoing federal R&D
on hybrid technology applications in heavy duty vehicles. They
all pointed to the substantial benefits of broader
incorporation of hybrid technologies in this sector to address
more stringent emission requirements, higher fuel costs, and as
a mechanism to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation
sector. They all pointed out the wide variety of medium and
heavy duty vehicles and the challenges presented by these
vehicles in comparison to the light-duty vehicles.
Mr. Penney noted that although the benefits of integrating
hybrid technologies into heavy duty vehicles are considerable,
there are significant barriers to the broader adoption of these
technologies by this sector. Additional information about the
reliability of hybrid systems and the performance of other
vehicle components are needed to assure manufacturers of heavy
duty vehicles and their customers that these technologies will
offer savings in fuel economy to offset any increases in the
cost premiums associated with hybrid vehicles. The cost of
production for energy storage systems, drive trains and power
electronics all need to be reduced to facilitate broader
production of hybrid vehicles.
Mr. Smith testified about the work being done by his
company, the Eaton Corporation, on hybrid technologies for
application in commercial vehicles. Mr. Smith discussed the
significant fuel savings and emission reduction that can be
realized by hybrid electric power systems. He stated that
hybrid power applications are well suited to heavy duty
vehicles particularly in those of Classes V through VIII. Mr.
Smith testified that the broader application of hybrid
technologies is dependent upon the development and
commercialization of lithium ion batteries. Mr. Smith urged the
Committee to consider research and development support for
electric hybrid, hydraulic hybrid, and plug-in hybrid systems
for commercial vehicles.
Mr. Dalum testified that rising fuel prices, tighter
emission requirements, the national priority to reduce
dependence on foreign oil, increased maintenance costs, and the
increased interest in lowering carbon emissions are all factors
leading to increased interest in applications of hybrid
technologies for medium-duty and heavy duty vehicles. Mr. Dalum
discussed the benefits of utilizing electric grid power to
charge batteries that are then used to power equipment on
stationary utility vehicles. Mr. Dalum expressed his belief
that additional R&D on hybrid systems would lead to further
improvements in fuel savings. Mr. Dalum indicated several areas
in need of further R&D including improved battery systems and
powertrain architectures, expanded design and performance
evaluation of a broader range of specific applications for
medium and heavy duty trucks. Mr. Dalum also indicated there
were outstanding questions about the ability of the current
electric grid to provide sufficient capacity for recharge of
fleets of heavy duty vehicles.Mr. Dalum also urged support for
additional research on plug-in hybrid applications for medium and heavy
duty vehicles.
Ms. Egbert discussed the experience of Pacific Gas and
Electric Company (PG&E) of incorporating medium and heavy duty
hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles into their fleet. The
applications most common in their fleets are for bucket trucks
and trouble trucks, the vehicles used by first response teams
to restore power outages. Ms. Egbert indicated that PG&E has
seen substantial fuel savings as a result of incorporating
hybrid vehicles into their fleet. Ms. Egbert identified the
significant additional cost for purchase of hybrid vehicles as
a major barrier to their broader adoption. Ms. Egbert
recommended the acceleration of research, development and
deployment of these vehicles to realize the substantial
benefits in fuel economy and emission reductions. Ms. Egbert
also urged Congress to consider providing additional financial
incentives to spur the market for hybrid vehicles.
Mr. Parish discussed the activities of Calstart and the
Hybrid Truck Users Forum and their cooperative efforts with the
Department of Energy and the U.S. Army National Automotive
Center to encourage demonstration of medium and heavy duty
hybrid vehicles in commercial fleets. Mr. Parish indicated a
need for the development of electrically-driven components
required to enable medium and heavy duty trucks to implement
engine off at idle capability as is seen in light duty
passenger vehicles. Mr. Parish indicated that medium and heavy
duty vehicles present additional challenges in design,
development and deployment of hybrid technologies due to their
weight, the diversity of classes and uses, and the requirement
for durability of these vehicles. Mr. Parish expressed support
for continuing the R&D efforts that have been supported by the
National Renewable Energy Laboratory as well as support for
ongoing R&D on heavy duty vehicles. Mr. Parish also indicated a
need for purchase incentives to offset the higher upfront costs
of medium and heavy duty hybrids.
V. Committee Actions
The Subcommittee on Energy and Environment met to consider
a Chairman's Mark of the ``Heavy Hybrid Truck Research and
Development Act of 2008'', a bill authored by Representative F.
James Sensenbrenner on June 17, 2008 and to consider the
following:
An amendment offered by Ms. Biggert to add a provision to
authorize research on alternative power trains for use in heavy
duty hybrid vehicles and a study to compare the cost and fuel
savings of each hybrid vehicle design receiving a grant under
this program with that of a conventional non-hybrid vehicle.
The amendment was agreed to by voice vote.
Mr. Baird moved that the Subcommittee favorably report the
Chairman's Mark as amended to the Full Committee on Science and
Technology. The motion was agreed to by a voice vote.
The Chairman's Mark as reported by the Subcommittee was
introduced on June 19, 2008 as H.R. 6323, the ``Heavy Hybrid
Truck Research and Development Act of 2008.''
On July 16, 2008, the House Committee on Science and
Technology met to consider H.R. 6323 as reported from the
Subcommittee on Energy and Environment and the following:
An amendment-in-the-nature-of-a-substitute offered by Mr.
Hall on behalf of Mr. Sensenbrenner to change the number of
grantees and broaden the focus of the bill. The amendment was
agreed to by voice vote.
An amendment to the amendment-in-the-nature-of-a-substitute
offered by Mr. Reichert to establish a pilot program at the
Department of Energy to test the impact of plug-in hybrid
electric vehicles on the electric power grid. The amendment was
agreed to by voice vote.
Mr. Hall offered a motion that the Committee favorably
report the bill, H.R. 6323, as amended, to the House of
Representatives. The motion was agreed to by voice vote. The
bill was ordered to be reported favorably to the House of
Representatives.
VI. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill
H.R. 6323 directs the Secretary of DOE (Secretary) to
establish a grant program for the development of advanced heavy
duty hybrid vehicles. The bill gives the Secretary the
discretion to award between three and seven grants based on the
technical merits of the proposals received. At least half of
the awarded grants must be for the development of plug-in
hybrid trucks.
Grants are awarded to applicants for two phases of research
and development. In phase one, recipients must build at least
one advanced heavy duty hybrid vehicle, conduct studies of the
vehicle, and report to DOE on the performance, cost, and
emissions levels of the vehicle. In phase two, recipients must
produce 50 advanced heavy duty hybrid vehicles and report to
DOE on the technological challenges and estimated costs
involved in wide-scale manufacture.
H.R. 6323 also directs the Secretary to conduct a study of
alternative power train designs for use in advanced heavy duty
hybrid vehicles. The study includes analysis of different
designs under conditions of typical use. The bill also directs
the Secretary to establish a pilot program through the National
Laboratories to research and test the effects on the domestic
electric power grid of widespread use of plug-in hybrid
vehicles.
Grant applicants may include partnerships between
manufacturers, electrical utilities, or other entities to
fulfill the program's requirements. Awards under H.R. 6323 will
be for up to $3 million per year for three years.
Appropriations are authorized for $16 million per year for
fiscal years 2009 through 2011. H.R. 6323 also amends the
Energy Storage Competitiveness Act of 2007 (enacted as section
641(g)(1) of the Energy Independenceand Security Act of 2007
(42 U.S.C. 17231(g)(1)) to include heavy trucks in the Secretary's
priorities for applied energy storage research.
VII. Section-by-Section Analysis of the Bill (by Section)
Section 1. Short title
H.R. 6323 can be cited as the ``Heavy Duty Hybrid Vehicle
Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2008.''
Section 2. Advanced Heavy Duty Hybrid Vehicle Technology Research,
Development, Demonstration, and Commercial Application Program
Section 2(a) directs the Secretary to establish a program
to provide grants to carry out projects to advance research and
demonstrate technologies for advanced heavy duty hybrid
vehicles.
Section 2(b) requires the Secretary to issue application
requirements and to establish criteria for making grant awards.
The Secretary must give priority to applicants who are best
able to advance the current state of technology and achieve the
greatest reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. To be
eligible, recipients must produce trucks with a gross weight
between 14,000 and 33,000 pounds (e.g. Class IV through Class
VII vehicles). The Secretary is given discretion to award
between three and seven grants based on the technical merits of
the applications received. At least half of the grants are to
be awarded for plug-in hybrid technology. Applicants can
partner with other entities to fulfill the obligations of the
program.
Section 2(c) defines two phases of research by award
recipients. In phase one, each recipient has one year to build
or retrofit one or more advanced heavy duty hybrid vehicles.
Recipients are required to collect and analyze data on the
performance of key vehicle components; the estimated costs of
producing, operating, and maintaining the vehicle; the
emissions of the vehicle; and on overall vehicle performance
according to guidelines established by the Secretary.
If, at the conclusion of phase one, it is clear that a
grant recipient will be unable to complete the requirements of
phase two, the Secretary has the discretion to waive the
requirement for phase two research and terminate the grant to
that recipient.
In phase two, recipients are required to demonstrate the
advanced manufacturing processes of heavy duty plug-in vehicles
by producing or retrofitting 50 advanced heavy duty hybrid
vehicles within two years. Recipients must also report on the
major technological obstacles they encounter in developing and
producing the vehicles and on the projected costs of each
vehicle.
Award recipients are eligible to receive three million
dollars per year for three years to complete both phases of the
development program.
Section 2(d) directs the Secretary to conduct a study of
alternative power train designs for use in advanced heavy duty
hybrid vehicles. The study would analyze these different
designs under conditions which they are typically used,
including the average number of miles driven, the time spent
with the engine at idle, horsepower requirements, the length of
time the maximum power is required, and other factors the
Secretary determines to be appropriate.
Section 2(e) requires the Secretary to report to Congress
within 60 days on the findings of the reports submitted by
grant recipients.
Section 2(f) and 2(g) require the Secretary to coordinate
the research conducted under this program with other research
conducted by the Department. The cost sharing provisions of
section 988 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16352)
apply to the program.
Section 2(h) directs the Secretary to establish a pilot
program through DOE's National Laboratories to research and
test the effects on the domestic electric power grid of the
widespread use of plug-in hybrid vehicles, including heavy duty
plug-in hybrid trucks.
Section 2(i) defines the terms: advanced heavy duty hybrid
vehicle, greenhouse gas, plug-in hybrid, retrofit, and
Secretary for the purposes of this section.
Section 2(j) authorizes appropriations of $16 million per
year for fiscal years 2009 through 2011.
Section 3. Expanding research in hybrid technology for large vehicles
This section amends the United States Energy Storage
Competitiveness Act of 2007 (enacted as section Sec. 641(g)(1)
of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C.
Sec. 17231(g)(1)) to include vehicles with a gross weight over
8501 pounds in the Secretary's priorities for advanced energy
storage.
VIII. Committee Views
The hybridization of heavy duty trucks is an important goal
that has been largely overlooked by the Federal government.
While numerous federal grants are available for the production
of hybrid and plug-in hybrid passenger vehicles, there are no
grants available that specifically target the development of
heavy duty hybrid vehicles. This is an unfortunate oversight.
The Committee believes federal investment in this research will
result in improvements in the fuel efficiency and emission
profiles of heavy duty vehicles and is likely to provide
significant economic benefits as well as benefits in energy
efficiency and air quality.
The Committee encourages the Secretary to award the maximum
number of grants if sufficient meritorious applications are
received. The Committee believes that research applicable to
heavy duty vehicles that make frequent stops such as delivery
trucks, buses, and refuse collection vehicles and vehicles that
idle on job sites for extensive periods to operate auxiliary
functions such as utility ``bucket'' trucks should receive the
highest priority for funding under this program. The Committee
does not intend this research and development program to
provide support for research and development on large, Class
IV, passenger trucks. The definition of Advanced Heavy Duty
Hybrid Vehicle included in the legislation specifically
excludes Class VIII heavy duty vehicles (e.g. long-haul tractor
trailer trucks). The Committee believes the significantly
different technical requirements of those platforms likely
merit funding under separate programs.
The Committee believes it is important to provide funding
to applicants best able to provide the greatest potential
advancement over current technologies and for research that is
most likely to lead to reduced fuel consumption and reduced
emissions. In many cases, this will mean awarding applicants
who propose hybrid designs that rely on multiple sources of
energy for propulsion, and integration of propulsion and
auxiliary power systems as this approach entails a greater
technical challenge.
IX. Cost Estimate
A cost estimate and comparison prepared by the Director of
the Congressional Budget Office under section 402 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 has been timely submitted to
the Committee on Science and Technology prior to the filing of
this report and is included in Section X of this report
pursuant to House rule XIII, clause 3(c)(3).
H.R. 6323 does not contain new budget authority, credit
authority, or changes in revenues or tax expenditures. H.R.
6323 does authorize additional discretionary spending of $41
million over the 2009-2013 period, with additional spending
occurring in later years, as described in the Congressional
Budget Office report on the bill, which is contained in Section
X of this report.
X. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate
H.R. 6323--Heavy-Duty Hybrid Vehicle Research, Development, and
Demonstration Act of 2008
Summary: H.R. 6323 would direct the Secretary of Energy to
establish a program to promote research and development of
technologies to improve the efficiency and reduce emissions of
certain types of vehicles. The bill would authorize the
appropriation of $16 million in each of fiscal years 2009
through 2011, primarily for grants to support efforts to
develop advanced heavy-duty hybrid vehicles. Those funds also
would support a program to study how widespread use of plug-in
hybrid vehicles would affect the domestic electric power grid.
Based on information from the Department of Energy (DOE)
and assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts, CBO
estimates that implementing H.R. 6323 would cost $41 million
over the 2009-2013 period, with additional spending occurring
in later years. Enacting the bill would not affect direct
spending or revenues.
H.R. 6323 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)
and would not affect the budgets of state, local, or tribal
governments.
Estimated cost to the Federal Government: For this
estimate, CBO assumes that the authorized amounts will be
provided near the start of each fiscal year and that outlays
will follow historical spending patterns for existing research
and demonstration programs administered by DOE. The estimated
budgetary impact of H.R. 6323 is shown in the following table.
The costs of this legislation fall within budget function 270
(energy).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal year in millions of dollars--
--------------------------------------------------
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2009-2013
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
Authorization Level.......................................... 16 16 16 0 0 48
Estimated Outlays............................................ 3 11 13 9 5 41
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 6323
contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as
defined in UMRA and would not affect the budgets of state,
local, or tribal governments.
Estimate prepared by: Federal Costs: Megan Carroll; Impact
on State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Leo Lex and Neil Hood;
Impact on the Private Sector: Amy Petz.
Estimate approved by: Theresa Gullo, Deputy Assistant
Director for Budget Analysis.
XI. Compliance With Public Law 104-4
H.R. 6323 contains no unfunded mandates.
XII. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations
The oversight findings and recommendations of the Committee
on Science and Technology are reflected in the body of this
report.
XIII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives
Pursuant to clause (3)(c) of House rule XIII, the goal of
H.R. 6323 is to establish a research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application program to promote
research of appropriate technologies for heavy duty plug-in
hybrid vehicles.
XIV. Constitutional Authority Statement
Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of the United
States grants Congress the authority to enact H.R. 6323.
XV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement
H.R. 6323 does not establish or authorize a new advisory
committee.
XVI. Congressional Accountability Act
The Committee finds that H.R. 6323 does not relate to the
terms and conditions of employment or access to public services
or accommodations within the meaning of section 102(b)(3) of
the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 104-1).
XVII. Earmark Identification
H.R. 6323 does not contain any congressional earmarks,
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in
clause 9(d), 9(e), or 9(f) of rule XXI.
XVIII. Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law
This bill is not intended to preempt any state, local, or
tribal law.
XIX. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (new matter is
printed in italic and existing law in which no change is
proposed is shown in roman):
UNITED STATES ENERGY STORAGE COMPETITIVENESS ACT OF 2007
SEC. 641. ENERGY STORAGE COMPETITIVENESS.
(a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the ``United
States Energy Storage Competitiveness Act of 2007''.
* * * * * * *
(g) Applied Research Program.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct an
applied research program on energy storage systems to
support electric drive vehicles, vehicles with a gross
weight over 16,000 pounds, stationary applications, and
electricity transmission and distribution technologies,
including--
(A) * * *
* * * * * * *
XX. Committee Recommendations
On July 17, 2008, the Committee on Science and Technology
favorably reported the bill, H.R. 6323, ``Heavy Duty Hybrid
Vehicle Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2008''
by a voice vote, and recommended its passage by the House of
Representatives.
XXI. PROCEEDINGS OF THE MARKUP BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND
ENVIRONMENT ON H.R. 6323, TO ESTABLISH A RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT,
DEMONSTRATION, AND COMMERCIAL APPLICATION PROGRAM TO PROMOTE RESEARCH
OF APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGIES FOR HEAVY DUTY PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLES, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
----------
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2008
House of Representatives,
Subcommittee on Energy and Environment,
Committee on Science,
Washington, DC.
The Subcommittee met, pursuant to call, at 10:05 a.m., in
Room 2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Nick
Lampson [Chairman of the Subcommittee] presiding.
Chairman Lampson. Good morning. This Subcommittee on Energy
and Environment will come to order. Pursuant to notice, the
Subcommittee on Energy and Environment meets to consider the
following measures: H.R. 4174, Federal Ocean Acidification
Research and Monitoring Act of 2007, H.R. 5618, National Sea
Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008, and a bill to
establish a research, development, demonstration, and
commercial application program to promote research of
appropriate technologies for heavy duty plug-in hybrid vehicles
and for other purposes.
We will now proceed with the markup. Beginning with the
opening statements, I will begin.
Today the Subcommittee will consider three good bills.
The first is H.R. 4174, the Federal Ocean Acidification
Research and Monitoring Act. This bill establishes an
interagency ocean acidification research and monitoring
program. H.R. 4174 was introduced by our colleague from Maine,
Congressman Tom Allen, and is sponsored by a Member of this
Subcommittee, Mr. Baird.
On June 5th we heard from a panel of experts on ocean and
atmospheric sciences testify in strong support of this
legislation. The bill authorizes the formation of an
interagency research and monitoring program to better
understand ocean acidification and its potential impacts on
marine organisms and marine ecosystems.
The second bill we will is consider is H.R. 5618, the
National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act. H.R. 5618
was introduced by Congresswoman Bordallo, Chair of the
Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries,
Wildlife, and Oceans. This bill reauthorizes and amends the
National Sea Grant College Program Act to implement changes in
the program recommended by the National Academies of Science.
The National Sea Grant College Program was last
reauthorized in 2002. It is a partnership between states and
the Federal Government to promote understanding, conservation,
and management of our ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes
resources. Sea Grants research, education, and extension
programs have been very effective in training future scientists
and resource managers, generating information to support sound
resource management, and delivering applied research results to
the people who rely on our coastal areas and Great Lakes for
their livelihoods.
Finally, the Subcommittee will consider draft legislation
authored by Mr. Sensenbrenner, Ranking Member of the
Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee, to enhance the
Department of Energy's research program in heavy duty hybrid
trucks.
Mr. Sensenbrenner does not sit on this subcommittee, and
thus will not be joining us today. I understand that the
manager's amendment has only one small technical change that
needs to be made prior to introduction. This bill addresses a
narrow segment of the automobile market with a tremendous
potential impact. We heard in a Subcommittee hearing last week
from witnesses who described the substantial oil savings and
emissions reductions to be had in medium-to-heavy hybrid
trucks, as well as the benefit to the whole domestic automotive
sector from the invaluable lessons learned in designing and
manufacturing these systems.
I believe this is a very important piece of legislation in
the large and complex puzzle that is our transportation sector,
and I look forward to moving this bill through Committee and on
to the Floor for consideration by the House.
I urge the support of all Members of the Subcommittee for
the three bills we will consider today. I look forward to
working with all of you to further improve these important
bills as we move to their consideration by the Full Committee.
[The prepared statement of Chairman Lampson follows:]
Prepared Statement of Chairman Nick Lampson
Good morning. Today the Subcommittee will consider three bills. The
first is H.R. 4174, the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and
Monitoring Act.
This bill establishes an interagency ocean acidification research
and monitoring program. H.R. 4174 was introduced by our colleague from
Maine, Congressman Tom Allen, and is sponsored by a Member of this
subcommittee, Mr. Baird.
On June 5th we heard from a panel of experts on ocean and
atmospheric sciences testify in strong support of this legislation. The
bill authorizes the formation of an interagency research and monitoring
program to better understand ocean acidification and its potential
impacts on marine organisms and marine ecosystems.
The second bill we will is consider is H.R. 5618, the National Sea
Grant College Program Amendments Act.
H.R. 5618 was introduced by Congresswoman Bordallo, Chair of the
Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and
Oceans.
This bill reauthorizes and amends the National Sea Grant College
Program Act to implement changes in the program recommended by the
National Academy of Sciences.
The National Sea Grant College Program was last reauthorized in
2002. It is a partnership between states and the Federal Government to
promote the understanding, conservation, and management of our ocean,
coastal, and Great Lakes resources. Sea Grants research, education, and
extension programs have been very effective in training future
scientists and resource managers, generating information to support
sound resource management, and delivering applied research results to
the people who rely on our coastal areas and Great Lakes for their
livelihoods.
Finally, the Subcommittee will consider draft legislation authored
by Mr. Sensenbrenner, Ranking Member of the Investigations and
Oversight Subcommittee, to enhance the Department of Energy's research
program in heavy duty hybrid trucks.
Mr. Sensenbrenner does not sit on this subcommittee, and thus will
not be joining us today. I understand that the manager's amendment has
only one small technical change that needs to be made prior to
introduction, and that we will take up any additional amendments in a
Full Committee markup.
This bill addresses a narrow segment of the automobile market with
a tremendous potential impact. We heard in a Subcommittee hearing last
week from witnesses who described the substantial oil savings and
emissions reductions to be had in medium-to-heavy hybrid trucks, as
well as the benefit to the whole domestic automotive sector from the
invaluable lessons learned in designing and manufacturing these
systems.
I believe this is a very important piece of legislation in the
large and complex puzzle that is our transportation sector. I look
forward to moving this bill through Committee and on to the Floor for
consideration by the House.
I urge the support of all Members of the Subcommittee for the three
bills we will consider today. I look forward to working with all of you
to further improve these important bills as we move to their
consideration by the Full Committee.
Chairman Lampson. I now recognize Mr. Inglis to present his
opening remarks.
Mr. Inglis. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for
holding this markup. Today we will consider three bills before
this Subcommittee. H.R. 4174, the Federal Ocean Acidification
Research and Monitoring Act would organize and coordinate
federal agency efforts to address ocean acidification into a
comprehensive research, monitoring, and assessment program. Two
weeks ago, this subcommittee held a hearing in which we
received several recommended changes from the expert panel of
witnesses. Representative Baird and I will introduce an
amendment that acts upon these recommendations. As we move
forward to Full Committee, I hope that we can further improve
the international components of this bill and encourage our
scientists to work with their colleagues overseas.
Secondly, we will consider H.R. 5618, the National Sea
Grant College Program Amendments Act. Since its inception in
1966, the National Sea Grant Program has been a successful
collaborative effort of the Federal Government, State
governments, and universities. Under the program, these groups
work together to understand, develop, and conserve our coastal
and ocean resources. As we mark up H.R. 5618, our goal should
be a reauthorization that equips the Sea Grant Program to
continue providing sound science and management products that
benefit our coastal regions and conserve our coastal resources.
Finally, we will consider draft legislation introduced by
Mr. Sensenbrenner that would steer federal dollars toward
research, development, and demonstration in the area of
commercial truck hybrid technologies.
Thank you again, Mr. Chairman. I look forward to working
with you to advance this legislation.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Inglis follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Bob Inglis
Thank you for holding this markup, Mr. Chairman.
Today we'll consider three bills before this subcommittee. H.R.
4174, the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act,
would organize and coordinate federal agency efforts to address ocean
acidification into a comprehensive research, monitoring and assessment
program. Two weeks ago, this subcommittee held a hearing in which we
received several recommended changes from the expert panel of
witnesses. Rep. Baird and I will introduce an amendment that acts upon
these recommendations. As we move forward to Full Committee, I hope
that we can further improve the international components of this bill
and encourage our scientists to work with their colleagues overseas.
Secondly, we'll consider H.R. 5618, the National Sea Grant College
Program Amendments Act. Since its inception in 1966, the National Sea
Grant Program has been a successful collaborative effort of the Federal
Government, State governments, and universities. Under the program,
these groups work together to understand, develop, and conserve our
coastal and ocean resources. As we markup H.R. 5618, our goal should be
a reauthorization that equips the Sea Grant Program to continue
providing sound science and management products that benefit our
coastal regions and conserve our coastal resources.
Finally, we will consider draft legislation introduced by Mr.
Sensenbrenner that would steer federal dollars toward research,
development, and demonstration in the area of commercial truck hybrid
technologies.
Thank you again, Mr. Chairman, and I look forward to working with
you to advance this legislation.
Chairman Lampson. Thank you, Mr. Inglis. Without objection,
Members may place additional opening statements in the record
at this point.
We will now consider a Chairman's mark of a bill to
establish a research, development, demonstration, and
commercial application program to promote research of
appropriate technologies for heavy duty plug-in hybrid vehicles
and for other purposes. This mark is the good work of
Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner, and I will just again express my
support for the gentleman's bill.
I now recognize Mr. Inglis to present any remarks on the
bill.
Mr. Inglis. Mr. Chairman, I have no further remarks. I look
forward to moving it to consideration.
Chairman Lampson. Does anyone wish to be recognized?
Mr. Bartlett. Mr. Chairman?
Chairman Lampson. Mr. Bartlett, you are recognized.
Mr. Bartlett. Thank you very much. This bill recognizes a
very serious problem, that is, the fact that trucks deliver
most of everything that we have, and in the final delivery, the
trucks are stopping and starting; and this is the least
efficient, most polluting way to use a reciprocating engine.
And so recognizing that the Air Force for several years now has
been sponsoring the development of a hybrid truck for fueling
their aircraft. My concern is that this bill is too narrowly
drawn. The primary challenge in this development is not the
plug-in feature. You can buy a Prius automobile and take it to
a shop and they will make it a plug-in for you overnight. The
primary challenge here is the drive train integrating the
electric motor in the drive train and the battery pack. And I
would be most favorable to the bill if it could be broadened to
recognize the primary challenge, which is not the very simple
plug-in feature, but the development of the drive train, the
integration of the electric motor into the drive train, and the
development of the batteries. These are huge trucks. Batteries
will not carry them very far. The plug-in will not add a lot of
versatility to it. The primary versatility is the fact that
when you stop, your engine stops and you are no longer
polluting and using fuel.
So I would hope that before this gets to Full Committee
that the bill could be broadened to investigate the really
challenging features in this development. Thank you very much.
Chairman Lampson. Thank you, Mr. Bartlett. Does anyone else
wish to be recognized? I ask unanimous consent that the mark is
considered as read and open to amendment at any point and that
Members proceed with amendments in order of the roster. Without
objection, so ordered.
The first amendment on the roster is a manager's amendment
offered by the gentlelady from Illinois, Ms. Biggert. Are you
ready to proceed with your amendment?
Ms. Biggert. Yes, Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the
desk.
Chairman Lampson. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk. Amendment to the Chairman's mark offered by Mrs.
Biggert of Illinois.
Chairman Lampson. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with
the reading. Without objection, so ordered.
I recognize the gentlelady for five minutes to explain the
amendment.
Ms. Biggert. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is a simple,
straightforward amendment that is intended to resolve a
potential jurisdictional conflict. Section 1(d) of the bill is
rewritten to clarify that the department shall conduct research
on vehicle usage and alternative drive trains which may help
Mr. Bartlett in doing some more research on this and how those
alternative drive trains perform in comparison to their
conventional counterparts.
And just to be clear, this language as well as the language
of the rest of the bill is still open to critique and
modification based on feedback from interested parties as we
continue through this legislative process. But this really is a
clarification that the jurisdiction will stay within this
committee.
So with that, I will yield back the balance of my time.
Chairman Lampson. Thank you, Ms. Biggert. Is there further
discussion on the amendment? No further discussion on the
amendment. If no, the vote occurs on the amendment. All in
favor say aye, opposed say no. The ayes have it, and the
amendment is agreed to.
Are there any amendments? The hearing on the vote is on the
Chairman's mark to establish a research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application program to promote
research of appropriate technologies for heavy duty plug-in
hybrid vehicles and for other purposes as amended. All those in
favor will say aye, those opposed say no. In the opinion of the
Chair, the ayes have it.
I recognize Mr. Baird to offer a motion.
Mr. Baird. Mr. Chair, I would move that the Subcommittee
favorably report the mark as amended to the Full Committee.
Furthermore, I move that staff be instructed to prepare the
Subcommittee legislative report and make necessary technical
and conforming changes to the bill in accordance with the
recommendations of the Subcommittee.
Chairman Lampson. The question is on the motion to report
the mark favorably. Those in favor of the motion will signify
by saying aye, those opposed no. The ayes have it. The mark is
favorably reported. Without objection, the motion to reconsider
is laid upon the table. Subcommittee Members may submit
additional or Minority views on the measure.
And I want to thank Members for their attendance. This
concludes our Subcommittee markup. We are adjourned.
[Whereupon, at 10:27 a.m., the Subcommittee was adjourned.]
Appendix:
----------
H.R. 6323, Amendment Roster
XXII. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP ON H.R. 6323, TO
ESTABLISH A RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, DEMONSTRATION, AND COMMERCIAL
APPLICATION PROGRAM TO PROMOTE RESEARCH OF APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGIES FOR
HEAVY DUTY PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
----------
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2008
House of Representatives,
Committee on Science,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to call, at 10:05 a.m., in Room
2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Bart Gordon
[Chairman of the Committee] presiding.
Chairman Gordon. Good morning. The Committee will come to
order.
Pursuant to notice, the Committee on Science and Technology
meets to consider the following measures: H.R. 3957, the Water
Use Efficiency and Conservation Research Act; H.R. 2339, the
Produced Water Utilization Act of 2007; and H.R. 6323, To
establish a research, development, demonstration and commercial
application program to promote research of appropriate
technologies for heavy duty plug-in hybrid vehicles, and for
other purposes.
Before we start the markup, we have some Committee business
to attend to. Yesterday, Ms. Donna Edwards of Maryland was
appointed to serve on the Committee on Science and Technology.
We currently have an open subcommittee slot on the Energy and
Environmental Subcommittee, and I would like to ask unanimous
consent that Ms. Edwards be elected to the Subcommittee.
Without objection, so ordered.
Congratulations, Ms. Edwards. I know that a lot that we do
here on this committee affects Maryland and we look forward to
working with you to get your input on that and also for you to
be a liaison as well as Mr. Bartlett.
Mr. Bartlett, do you want to welcome our new Member?
Mr. Bartlett. Very happy to have you aboard. Our districts
adjoin each other. When we have common interests, I will look
forward to working with you. Thank you.
Ms. Edwards. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Mr. Bartlett.
Thank you.
Chairman Gordon. And when you don't have common interests,
you will still work with her though, won't you?
Mr. Bartlett. Absolutely, but all the more so when we have
common interests.
Chairman Gordon. Thank you. We will now proceed with the
markup.
Dwindling water supplies across the United States continue
to percolate as the major disaster on our nation's horizon.
Despite large spring rains in some states, the U.S. Drought
Monitor shows that severe drought still grips the American
Southeast, California across the Rocky Mountains, and Oklahoma
and the Texas panhandle. In an effort to protect the country
from an impending water scarcity crisis, the Committee has
begun to search out ways for the Federal Government to spur new
technology innovation in water research and development. Today
the Committee will consider two bills aimed at preventing a
future water supply catastrophe.
First, we will take up H.R. 3957, the Water Use Efficiency
and Conservation Research Act, introduced by Representative Jim
Matheson. H.R. 3957 establishes a research and development
program within the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of
Research and Development to promote water-use efficiency and
conservation.
Through this program, EPA will be able to develop and
encourage the adoption of technologies and processes that will
achieve greater water-use efficiencies, thus helping to address
the water supply shortages. In addition, H.R. 3957 directs EPA
to disseminate information on current water-use efficiencies
and conservation technologies. This information will include
incentives and impediments to development and
commercialization.
Next we will consider H.R. 2339, the Produced Water
Utilization Act, introduced by our colleague from Texas and our
Ranking Member, Mr. Hall. This bill creates a research,
development and demonstration program to promote beneficial
reuse of water produced in connection with oil and gas
extraction. In the United States, up to 2.3 billion gallons per
day of produced water is generated. Unfortunately, this water
is not of sufficient quality to be used to meet our many needs
for water. This legislation will provide innovative treatment
technologies that will enable the reuse of this water in an
environmentally responsible way.
Let me also say that Congressman Hall and I have been
discussing the issues of water. We think there are a variety of
other things. We started this effort this year. We are going to
continue to look into it next year and we hope that we are
going to have again probably a series of bipartisan bills that
we might combine for a real, again a major effort in water
conservation and technologies for this important problem that
faces our nation.
Finally, we will consider H.R. 6323, the Heavy Duty Hybrid
Research, Development and Demonstration Act, introduced by the
Ranking Member of the Investigations and Oversight
Subcommittee, Mr. Sensenbrenner. With skyrocketing full prices,
energy concerns have been cemented at the forefront of public
awareness. This committee has responded by pursuing an
aggressive energy agenda in 2010 and we will continue this in
the next Congress, and we provided a substantial portfolio of
bills to the comprehensive energy package which became law last
December. Mr. Sensenbrenner's bill represents another common
sense approach to chipping away at our energy challenge.
The heavy duty sector accounts for a very large portion of
the Nation's fuel use and transportation-based emissions and
even small improvements in their efficiency can have a
substantial impact. Hybrid technologies hold the promise of
greatly reducing the fuel consumption by the Nation's truck
fleet. Mr. Sensenbrenner and his staff have worked closely with
the Majority to ensure that grants under this program explore a
wide range of hybrid technologies and applications and he has
made further improvements with an amendment in the nature of a
substitute.
These three bills are important steps in ensuring that we
have adequate water and power supplies across the country, and
in pushing innovation in the heavy truck sector. I want to
thank Representative Matheson, Representative Sensenbrenner and
Ranking Member Hall for their efforts in these two important
areas, and I ask that Members of the Committee support all
three bills and move for their passage out of the Committee.
I now recognize Mr. Hall to present his opening remarks.
[The prepared statement of Chairman Gordon follows:]
Prepared Statement of Chairman Bart Gordon
Good Morning. The Committee will come to order. Pursuant to notice,
the Committee on Science and Technology meets to consider the following
measures:
H.R. 3957, the Water Use Efficiency and Conservation
Research Act;
H.R. 2339, the Produced Water Utilization Act of
2007; and,
H.R. 6323, To establish a research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application program to promote
research of appropriate technologies for heavy duty plug-in
hybrid vehicles, and for other purposes.
Before we get started with the markup, we have some Committee
business to attend to. Yesterday Ms. Donna Edwards of Maryland was
appointed to serve on the Committee on Science and Technology.
We currently have an open subcommittee slot on the Energy and
Environment Subcommittee. I would ask unanimous consent that Ms.
Edwards be elected to this subcommittee. Without objection, so ordered.
Congratulations, and welcome to the Committee Ms. Edwards.
We will now proceed with the markup.
Dwindling water supplies across the United States continue to
percolate as a major disaster on our nation's horizon. Despite
tremendous spring rains in some States, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows
that severe drought still grips the American Southeast, California
across the Rocky Mountains, and Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle. In an
effort to protect the country from an impending water scarcity crisis,
the Committee has begun to search out ways for the Federal Government
to spur new technological innovations in water research and
development. Today the Committee will consider two bills aimed at
preventing a future water supply catastrophe.
First, we will take up H.R. 3957, the Water Use Efficiency and
Conservation Research Act introduced by Representative Jim Matheson.
H.R. 3957 establishes a research and development program within the
Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development to
promote water-use efficiency and conservation.
Through this program, EPA will be able to develop and encourage the
adoption of technologies and processes that will achieve greater water-
use efficiency, thus helping to address the water supply shortages. In
addition, H.R. 3957 directs EPA to disseminate information on current
water-use efficient and conservation technologies. This information
will include incentives and impediments to development and
commercialization.
Next, we will consider H.R. 2339, the Produced Water Utilization
Act introduced by my colleague from Texas and our Ranking Member, Mr.
Hall. This bill creates a research, development, and demonstration
program to promote the beneficial reuse of water produced in connection
with oil and gas extraction. In the United States, up to 2.3 billion
gallons per day of produced water is generated. Unfortunately, this
water is not of sufficient quality to be used to meet our many needs
for water. This legislation will provide innovative treatment
technologies that will enable the reuse of this water in an
environmentally responsible way.
Finally, we will consider H.R. 6323, the Heavy Duty Hybrid
Research, Development, and Demonstration Act, introduced by the Ranking
Member of the Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee, Mr.
Sensenbrenner. With skyrocketing fuel prices, energy concerns have been
cemented at the forefront of public awareness.
This committee responded by pursuing an aggressive energy agenda in
110th Congress, and provided a substantial portfolio of bills to the
comprehensive energy package which became law last December. Mr.
Sensenbrenner's bill represents another common sense approach to
chipping away at our energy challenge.
The heavy truck sector accounts for a very large portion of the
Nation's fuel use and transportation-based emissions, and even small
improvements in their efficiency can have a substantial impact. Hybrid
technologies hold the promise of greatly reducing the fuel consumed by
the Nation's truck fleet. Mr. Sensenbrenner and his staff have worked
closely with the Majority to ensure that grants under this program
explore a wide range of hybrid technologies and applications, and he
has made further improvements with the Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute.
These three bills are important steps in ensuring that we have
adequate water and power supplies across the country, and in pushing
innovation in the heavy truck sector. I want to thank Representative
Matheson, Representative Sensenbrenner, and Ranking Member Hall for
their efforts in these two important areas. I ask that Members of the
Committee support all three bills and move for their passage out of the
Committee.
I now recognize Mr. Hall to present his opening remarks.
Mr. Hall. Mr. Chairman, I thank you for holding the markup
today and for the three bills before us, and because you have
so adequately explained these bills, I can make my remarks very
brief.
I simply would put my entire statement into the record with
unanimous consent and I support the three bills we are marking
up today and hope our colleagues will as well, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Hall follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Ralph M. Hall
Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding this markup today to advance
the three bills before us today. I will keep my opening remarks brief.
H.R. 3957, the Water Use Efficiency and Conservation Research Act
introduced by Mr. Matheson would create a water technology research
program at the EPA. Research and development of technologies that
promote greater efficiencies in water use is one of the several
responses we can make to the water shortages many of our constituents
are experiencing.
The second bill, H.R. 2339, the Produced Water Utilization Act of
2008 is one I introduced, and I feel strongly about its potential to
benefit our dual needs of energy and water. This bill would provide
important funding for research, development, demonstration, and
commercial application of technologies to purify and use produced water
from oil and natural gas extraction for human, agricultural, and
industrial purposes.
H.R. 6323, Mr. Sensenbrenner's heavy duty hybrid vehicle bill,
would establish a program at DOE to provide grants to carry out
projects to advance research and development and to demonstrate
advanced technologies for heavy duty plug-in hybrid vehicles. While
heavy duty trucks make up a small portion of the market, the potential
for fuel savings through hybrid technology is substantial.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I support the three bills we're marking up
today and hope that our colleagues will as well. I yield back the
balance of my time.
Chairman Gordon. That was a wonderful statement, Mr. Hall.
Without objection, Members may place statements in the
record at this point.
[The prepared statement of Ms. Richardson follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Laura Richardson
Chairman Gordon, Ranking Member Hall, and fellow Members of the
Science and Technology Committee, I rise in strong support of each
piece of legislation that is slated for today's Full Committee markup.
H.R. 3957, the Water Use Efficiency and Conservation Research Act
First I would like to thank my colleague Rep. Matheson (D-UT) for
introducing H.R. 3957, the Water Use Efficiency and Conservation
Research Act, and for his leadership on this issue. My home State of
California has dealt with its own series of water supply issues in the
past. Likewise, State and local officials in California have pursued
this issue in an aggressive manner. In my district we have a nationally
recognized desalination project. The Long Beach City Council
implemented strict water conservation regulations.
Fact of the matter is Americans consume approximately 26 billion
gallons of water per day, and similar to our consumption of oil, we are
all going to have to learn to conserve.
H.R. 3957 is a sound piece of legislation that designates the
Environmental Protection Agency as the primary federal agency tasked
with the responsibility of improving our nation's water use
conservation technology. Given the EPA's track record on water quality
issues, asking the agency to participate in this endeavor seems like a
reasonable fit.
Thirty years ago President Carter advised the Nation that
conservation was necessary to our quality of life. This legislation
takes a major step in progressing from statements to attainable goals.
I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.
H.R. 2339, the Produced Water Utilization Act of 2007
I want to commend the distinguished Ranking Member, Mr. Hall for
introducing H.R. 2339, the Produced Water Utilization Act of 2007.
We all agree that we must increase our domestic supply of energy.
However this process results in a product called produced water, which
is water that is contaminated by dissolved solids.
Consequently, this water supply is rendered useless for consumption
or irrigation and must be pumped back into the ground to dispose of
safely.
The legislation that Mr. Hall introduced will allow us to safely
utilize produced water thereby creating an additional source of water
for human consumption and irrigation.
This is a sound piece of legislation and I encourage my colleagues
to support this bill.
H.R. 6323, Heavy Duty Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle R&D
I want to acknowledge my colleague Rep. Sensenbrenner (R-WI) for
introducing H.R. 6323, a bill to promote heavy duty plug-in hybrid R&D.
While we have seen a concerted effort to bring this technology to
passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles are far behind despite their
heavy fuel consumption.
Indeed we heard testimony during the hearing on Mr. Sensenbrenner's
bill that this technology will save each heavy duty truck 1,000 gallons
of fuel per year. With the rising cost of energy and many local and
State governments facing budget constraints, this legislation could
impact their respective departments and reduce the cost of business.
In my home State of California, Pacific Gas & Electric, which
serves northern and central California, has been a leader on this
issue, utilizing this technology in their service trucks. We have to
change the way we consume energy in this country, and the Federal
Government has to take a leading role in this effort.
H.R. 6323 will take us in the right direction, and I encourage my
colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. Chairman I yield back my time.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Mitchell follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Harry E. Mitchell
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Today we will mark up H.R. 3957, the Water Use Efficiency and
Conservation and Research Act, H.R. 2339, the Produced Water
Utilization Act, and H.R. 6323, the Heavy Hybrid Truck Research,
Development, and Demonstration Act.
Arizona is no stranger to the pressures of rising population and
prolonged drought.
We are one of the fastest growing states, and despite some helpful
precipitation this winter, many portions of our state our still well
into a second decade of drought.
I believe that it is absolutely critical that we address the
growing shortage of our nation's water supply and work to establish
progressive and cost-effective water resource management policies.
H.R. 3957 would help us gain a better understanding of our water
use and shortages by establishing a research and development program
within EPA to promote water efficiency and conservation.
I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.
I yield back.
Chairman Gordon. We will now consider H.R. 6323, To
establish a research, development, demonstration and commercial
application program to promote research of appropriate
technologies for heavy duty plug-in hybrid vehicles and for
other purposes.
Mr. Sensenbrenner is not able to be here today but he has
put together a good bill, and I recognize Mr. Hall to present
any remarks he might have.
Mr. Hall. Mr. Chairman, I have the remarks that Mr.
Sensenbrenner would deliver if he were here and I ask unanimous
consent to put them in the record.
Chairman Gordon. With no objection, the statement is agreed
to for the record.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Sensenbrenner follows:]
Prepared Statement of F. James Sensenbrenner Jr.
This Monday, President Bush announced that he lifted the executive
ban on offshore drilling. Increasing our domestic oil supply is an
important part of combating the current energy crisis. But if we're
serious about energy independence, we have to do more. We also have to
drastically reduce our demand.
This bill is a step in that direction. The Department of Energy
(DOE) administers several grants to speed production of hybrid cars,
but DOE does not have a single grant specifically intended for trucks.
Trucks currently consume 48 percent of our fuel and each individual
truck consumes substantially more fuel than a passenger car. In
addition, industries turn their trucks over faster than consumers and
can therefore adopt new technologies faster. This means trucks, not
cars, are the low hanging fruit.
This bill will establish DOE's first grant program to promote
hybrid and plug-in hybrid trucks. It will also advance research in the
area, expand DOE's focus to include trucks as well as cars, and
establish a cost-share program that will put hybrid and plug-in hybrid
trucks on the road. I thank the Chairman and his staff for considering
this bill.
Chairman Gordon. I would like to express my support for
this bill, and I thank my good friend from Wisconsin for
working to cooperate with my staff, or our staff, on this.
Does anyone wish to be recognized?
Mr. Bartlett. Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Gordon. Dr. Bartlett.
Mr. Bartlett. Thank you very much.
Through a series of those infamous earmarks, I have been
sponsoring the development of a hybrid plug-in truck through
the Mack Truck Company, now known as Volvo Power Train. This
bill is an excellent addition to those efforts. This is plug-in
hybrid. Many of our large trucks use a reciprocating engine in
the least efficient, most polluting way and stop and go,
picking up trash, delivering things. There is an enormous need
for this. It will greatly reduce pollution and increase the
efficiency of these vehicles, so I am in strong support of this
bill, which builds on the developments that I have been
privileged to support through a series of earmarks. Thank you.
Chairman Gordon. Thank you, Mr. Bartlett. One just quick
note also is, one of the benefits of plug-in hybrids is, that
you can plug them in at night at an, if you will pardon the
expression, off-peak time, where oftentimes electricity is
being generated and not even used. So that is another benefit
of this.
Mr. Bartlett. Mr. Chairman, I would like to note that when
we have fully developed these plug-in hybrids, they can really,
really add to the efficiency of our electrical net. As you
point out, the power company can send a signal through the line
as to when to charge them up, like at 2 a.m. in the morning
when nobody is taking showers or cooking food. But another
thing can happen. When they are through with their day's work
and their battery is charged, they now can sell electricity
back to the grid. So the more and more these plug-in hybrids we
have, the more capability we have to even out the power demand
and so they can be charging up during the night and giving some
of it back, that they haven't used during the day, give back to
the grid in the evening when the demand is very high. So this
is a very important development and I am pleased to support
this bill.
Chairman Gordon. Well, thanks for your past work. This is a
good bill, and I am sorry that Mr. Sensenbrenner couldn't be
here but you can tell him on our behalf that even a blind
squirrel occasionally gets an acorn and that we appreciate his
work.
I ask unanimous consent----
Mr. Rohrabacher. Mr. Chairman, move to strike the last
word. Let me just note, and I agree with Dr. Bartlett, whose
Ph.D. and expertise always astonishes me and also I stand in
admiration of the great contribution he makes. Let me just note
that as we move towards the electrification of American
transportation, which I support and think is and should be the
long-term goal for people who have long-term strategies for
getting us out of this energy crisis, it will not simply do to
believe that we do not have to increase the amount of
electricity in our society in order to achieve that goal. Not
all of the technologies that we are going to be able to bring
to play are going to sort of even out so you can plug it in at
night and so you don't have to have any more electricity being
produced. The fact is, if we are going to move towards an
electrified transportation system, we are going to need new
sources of electricity. Now, whether that is produced by oil or
whether that is produced by natural gas or whether that is
produced by solar in some way or whether it is produced by
nuclear power, we are going to need more sources of energy to
increase the supply if we are going to meet the goals that have
just been expressed, and I just want to make sure that is
clearly on the record as we start down this road, and I think
this committee will play a major role in steering America
towards an electrified transportation system that is pollution-
free. It is a good thing, but we have some serious challenges
of where to get that electricity. We shouldn't downplay that,
the importance of finding more sources and more supply for
electricity as we move in that direction.
Chairman Gordon. Thank you, Mr. Rohrabacher. I certainly
agree with that statement, and I also agree with you that this
committee will play a major role and this will be a high
priority for this. If there is no one on my left, then Dr.
Ehlers is recognized.
Mr. Ehlers. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just following this
theme, Mr. Rohrabacher did outline the various options, but in
view of the issues we are facing with potential global climate
change, CO2 emissions and so forth, and for other
reasons having to do with resource availability, let us face
it, it is going to have to be nuclear plants producing
electricity, and we might as well face up to that and get on
that bandwagon quickly as a nation. We gave it up in a time
when we shouldn't have some 20 years ago and that has really
set us back compared to the rest of the developed world. It is
high time we get in high gear on that program again and get
operating so that we will be able to meet the needs of our
nation. Thank you.
Chairman Gordon. Does anyone else wish to be recognized?
Then Dr. Ehlers--oh, I am sorry. Dr. Bartlett is recognized.
Mr. Bartlett. Thank you very much. Mr. Rohrabacher is
exactly right. As we run down the fossil fuel exhaustion curve,
we are going to need more energy everywhere. But our future for
electric energy is much brighter than our future for liquid
fuels. With more nuclear, with wind, with solar, with micro
hydro, with true geothermal where we are close enough to the
molten core of the Earth, I think we can make reasonably the
amount of electricity that we need, maybe not as much as we
would like to use. That same thing is not true of liquid fuel.
We have a very, very challenging future in liquid fuels. This
is just one more reason that this is really good bill because
it moves it in a direction for transportation where we use
electricity, which is going to be much easier to produce in the
future than liquid fuels.
Mr. Gingrey. Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Gordon. Dr. Gingrey, as long as you are not going
to say that Dana Rohrabacher is exactly right. Hearing that
twice in one day is a little bit tough. Dr. Gingrey.
Mr. Gingrey. Mr. Chairman, I promise not to say that. I do
want to join my colleagues on this side in regard to getting a
plug in for--no pun intended there either--for utilizing all
sources of energy and the need, of course, to improve the
electricity grid. As we know in this country, most electricity
is generated by coal, coal-powered plants, some natural gas,
which is much cleaner but also much more expensive, and though
in this country the supply of coal is estimated to be 1.5
trillion tons of coal and we use about a billion tons a year,
so there is plenty of that black rock gold sitting around that
we could convert into liquid petroleum. That would help our
dependency, relieve our dependency from foreign countries in
regard to fossil fuels. So clean coal technology, let me just
put in a plug for that. But this is a great bill and I am
highly supportive of it and I just wanted to put in my two
cents worth in regard to energy, and I yield back, Mr.
Chairman.
Chairman Gordon. Thank you, Dr. Gingrey. As we continue the
filibuster of Mr. Sensenbrenner's bill, let me also point out
that the astronauts from the STS-124 are back. They are going
to be in the Rayburn Room B-339 at 5:30 and they are going to
have ice cream. You know, I brought my daughter the last time
or two and so if you would like to come by, it is a nice
environment to bring your constituents, your family and also to
say thanks to these brave astronauts.
Now I ask unanimous consent that the bill is considered as
read and open to amendment at any point and that Members
proceed with the amendments in order of the roster. Without
objection, so ordered.
The first amendment on the roster is an amendment in the
nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Hall in substitute for
the gentleman from Wisconsin, Mr. Sensenbrenner. Are you ready
to proceed with your amendment?
Mr. Hall. I think so. I have an amendment at the desk.
Chairman Gordon. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk. Amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R.
6323 offered by Mr. Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin.
Chairman Gordon. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with
the reading. Without objection, so ordered.
I recognize the gentleman for five minutes to explain his
amendment.
Mr. Hall. Mr. Chairman, this amendment combines input from
numerous Members of this committee and from the Department of
Energy and from industry leaders in both the utility and truck
manufacturing sectors. In addition to technical changes, the
amendment changes the number of grants from a set number of
five to a range of three to seven. This range will allow DOE to
adjust the number of grants it issues based on the quality of
applications it receives. The amendment also broadens the
platform and allowable technologies that are eligible for
grants, allowing more manufacturers to qualify and the best
proposals to succeed. Finally, the amendment expands the
reporting requirements on both grant recipients and DOE to help
advance necessary technologies in this area, and I yield back.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Sensenbrenner follows:]
Prepared Statement of F. James Sensenbrenner Jr.
This amendment combines input from numerous Members of the
Committee, from the Department of Energy (DOE), and from industry
leaders in both the utility and truck manufacturing sectors.
In addition to technical changes, the amendment changes the number
of grants from a set number of five to a range of three to seven. The
range will allow DOE to adjust the number of grants it issues based on
the quality of applications it receives. The amendment also broadens
the platforms and allowable technologies that are eligible for grants,
allowing more manufacturers to qualify and the best proposals to
succeed.
Finally, the amendment expands the reporting requirements on both
grant recipients and DOE to help advance necessary technologies in this
area.
Chairman Gordon. Is there further discussion on the
amendment?
The second amendment on the roster is an amendment offered
also--pardon me. Okay. The second amendment on the roster is an
amendment offered by the gentleman from Washington, Mr.
Reichert. Are you ready to proceed with your amendment?
Mr. Reichert. Yes, sir.
Chairman Gordon. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk. Amendment to the amendment in the nature of a
substitute to H.R. 6323 offered by Mr. Reichert of Washington.
Chairman Gordon. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with
the reading. Without objection, so ordered.
Mr. Reichert. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I think it is
timely, it is convenient, I guess, that this amendment is the
last amendment for the day in consideration of all the comments
made. This amendment really applies to some of the ideas and
thoughts expressed by the Members here present.
This is a very simple amendment. It seeks to understand the
impact that an increasing number of plug-in hybrid vehicles
would have on our domestic electric power grid. In Washington
State, 85 percent of our power is provided by hydroelectricity
so we really understand this issue in the Northwest. Plug-in
hybrid electric vehicles offer a clean alternative to our
current gas-powered cars, SUVs and trucks. They have the
potential to help reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil
as well as fossil fuels, which would increase our national and
economic security. The amendment merely directs the Secretary
of Energy to establish a pilot program to research and test the
effects that this new technology will have on our power grids.
The reporting requirements are the same as in the underlying
bill. It calls for a report on these findings within 60 days of
the completion of the hybrid program and drive train studies.
This amendment does not include a new authorization for any
additional funds. It merely adds this study on the electric
power grid to the list of approved research projects and
demonstrations already included in the bill. I ask for the
Committee to adopt this common sense amendment, and I yield
back the balance of my time.
Chairman Gordon. Is there further discussion on this good
amendment?
Mr. Bartlett. Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Gordon. Dr. Bartlett.
Mr. Bartlett. Mr. Chairman, since about half of our
electricity is produced by coal, I think it is appropriate to
make a brief comment about coal and how much we have. It has
been said for several years now that we have 250 years of coal
at current use rates. The National Academies of Science has
taken a recent look at that. They said that the last time we
evaluated the amount of coal we had was in the 1970s and they
now believe there is about 100 years of coal at current use
rates. But if we had 250 years of coal at current use rates and
if you increase its use only two percent--Albert Einstein said
the most powerful force in the universe was the power of
compound interest. Just two percent growth doubles in 35 years,
four times bigger in 70 years, eight times bigger in 105 years,
16 times bigger in 140 years. So if you increase the use of
coal only two percent, it drops from 250 years, but the
National Academies says we have only 100 years to 85 years.
When you use some of the energy from coal to convert it to a
gas or a liquid, you have dropped it now to 50 years, and it is
unavoidable we will share any of our energy sources with the
world, because if we use oil or if we use coal to displace some
of the energy here in our country, then we are not buying
energy overseas and someone else can buy it, and since we use a
fourth of the world's energy, that 50 years shrinks to 12.5
years. So what that means is, if those 250 years of coal--the
National Academies says only 100--but if those 250 years and
you increase its use only two percent, you convert it to a gas
or a liquid and share it with the world, which you must, it
lasts 12.5 years.
We just need to keep these realities in mind. There is a
lot of--how did Alan Greenspan define it--irrational exuberance
out there about these energy sources we have in our country.
That is the reality for coal, and I thank you, sir.
Chairman Gordon. Thank you, Dr. Bartlett.
Is there further discussion on the amendment? Mr. McNerney
is recognized.
Mr. McNerney. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to support
Mr. Reichert's amendment.
It is clear to me that use of plug-in hybrids is going to
have a large impact on our national electric system and it is
incumbent upon us to understand what that impact is going to be
and how to deal with it because it offers us an opportunity to
use vehicles as a storage mechanism for energy. So I applaud
the amendment and I offer my support.
Chairman Gordon. Ms. Biggert is recognized.
Ms. Biggert. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I support the
amendment and I just wanted to say that I think that this bill
and the amendment is so important to really improving the use
of hybrids, hybrid plug-ins and particularly looking at
commercial trucks, which obviously is going to take this,
beyond automobiles and really further our conservation as well
as improving the use of gasoline. I think that one of the
companies in my district, Navistar, has done so much on this,
working with the hybrids and with the hybrid plug-in. I think
that having the grants available for all types of commercial
vehicles is going to help so much to reduce our oil
consumption, and I congratulate the sponsors of the bill. I
yield back.
Chairman Gordon. Thank you, Ms. Biggert. Does anyone else
have any comments? I think this sets a record for the most nice
things said about Mr. Sensenbrenner at any one time. So if
there is no further discussion on the----
Mr. Ehlers. Just tell him he should stay away more often.
Chairman Gordon. I will be happy to. If no, the vote occurs
on the amendment. All in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes
have it and the amendment is agreed to.
Are there other amendments to the amendment in the nature
of a substitute? If no, then the vote occurs on the amendment.
All in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it and the
amendment is agreed to.
The vote is now on the bill, H.R. 6323 as amended. All in
favor, say aye. All opposed, no. In the opinion of the Chair,
the ayes have it. I recognize Mr. Rohrabacher for a motion.
Mr. Rohrabacher. I believe it is Mr. Reichert who will----
Chairman Gordon. Okay. I recognize----
Mr. Rohrabacher. Whoever it is.
Chairman Gordon. Okay.
Mr. Rohrabacher. No, it is me. Mr. Chairman, I move that
the Committee favorably report H.R. 6323 as amended to the
House with the recommendation that the bill do pass.
Furthermore, I move that staff be instructed to make necessary
technical and conforming changes and that the Chairman take all
necessary steps to bring the bill before the House for
consideration.
Chairman Gordon. The question is on the motion to report
the bill favorably. Those in favor of the motion will signify
by saying aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it and the bill is
favorably reported. Without objection, the motion to reconsider
is laid up on the table. Members will have two subsequent
calendar days in which to submit supplemental Minority or
additional views on the measure ending Monday, July 21 at 9
a.m.
I move pursuant to clause 1 of the rule 22 of the Rules of
the House of Representatives that the Committee authorize the
Chairman to offer such motions as may be necessary in the House
to adopt and pass H.R. 6323 as amended. Without objection, so
ordered.
Before we adjourn, let me just say to everyone, this
appears to be our last markup for this year and this session.
Things, you know, went smoothly today, but the reason for that
was that there was lots of collaboration. I thank all of you
for your presence. It is important for you to be here. I hope
that one thing that we can do as we go into maybe September
when we are not going to be having any markups is have the
opportunity for us to sit down as a committee informally and
talk about what we want to do next year, and I think we had a
good discussion today. We want to find out what is important to
your districts, what is important to the country, and we will
try to get an agenda that either we will pass off to Mr. Hall
or we will keep it here, whichever way it might be, but one way
or the other, we want to work together, and I very, very
sincerely thank everyone for a very productive year. I hope
that you will all go back to your press secretaries and talk at
home about these three bills that you got out today. There are
more good ones.
Thank you very much, and we are adjourned.
[Whereupon, at 10:59 a.m., the Committee was adjourned.]
Appendix:
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H.R. 6323 as reported by the Subcommittee, Amendment Roster