NTEA Supports Reintroduction of Advanced Vehicle Technology Act

April 19, 2011
Rep. Gary Peters (D-MI) has reintroduced his Advanced Vehicle Technology Act (AVTA) as H.R. 1367—which, in the last Congress, passed the House (as H.R. 3246) on a bipartisan 312–114 vote but did not make it through the Senate before adjournment last December.

Rep. Gary Peters (D-MI) has reintroduced his Advanced Vehicle Technology Act (AVTA) as H.R. 1367—which, in the last Congress, passed the House (as H.R. 3246) on a bipartisan 312–114 vote but did not make it through the Senate before adjournment last December.

The National Truck Equipment Association, which supports this legislation, says it again has wide bipartisan support and would place a significant new focus on alternative fuel and advanced technology research and development programs for medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

It calls for funding a wide spectrum of programs to further the development and deployment of trucks utilizing alternative fuels and advanced technologies. Further, it would direct the Department of Energy to appoint a full-time director to coordinate existing efforts between government and industry partners. This legislation specifically notes the need for research funding to assist the vocational/work truck industry — not just long-haul trucks.