[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 109 (Tuesday, September 14, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1615]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             COMMON SENSE AUTOMOBILE EFFICIENCY ACT OF 2004

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                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2004

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation 
that provides a credit for the purchase of new qualified fuel cell, 
hybrid, or other alternative fuel motor vehicle.
  The Common Sense Automobile Efficiency Act of 2004 encourages 
consumers to purchase environmentally friendly vehicles that will help 
reduce greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously reducing our 
country's oil dependence. It repeals the phase-out of the Qualified 
Electric Vehicles Credit and Deduction for Clean Fuel-Vehicles so that 
100% of the credit can be claimed through 2006. Consumers would receive 
a tax credit of up to $1,000 for hybrid gas-electric powered vehicles 
and $4,000 for fuel-cell vehicles.
  Making our environment cleaner and reducing our dependence on foreign 
oil requires the participation of all stakeholders, including both 
consumers and manufacturers.
  Cars, SUVs and other light trucks consume millions of barrels of oil 
every day and emit harmful amounts of carbon dioxide, a principal 
greenhouse gas. Passenger vehicles alone account for one-fifth of all 
U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. With significant fuel economy and low 
tailpipe emissions, alternative-fuel and advanced-technology vehicles 
help to reduce the environmental impact of driving an automobile. 
Getting more miles out of a gallon of gas means lessening our dangerous 
reliance on oil, lowering levels of key air pollutants, and saving 
consumers money at the gas pumps.
  All Americans need a choice in buying cars that can increase their 
fuel-efficiency. While the average fuel economy of vehicles on the road 
is at a twenty-one year low, gasoline prices continue to strain 
business and family budgets. Americans now spend more than $500 million 
per day to fuel their cars and light trucks. Families deserve a more 
affordable way to get to work, school, vacation, home or any 
destination on the road. Businesses that rely on vehicles to function 
need the cost-efficiency of driving hybrid vehicles.
  Although major automakers currently offer advanced technology and 
alternative fuel vehicles and plan to produce a full range of fuel-
efficient options, including SUVs, mini vans, and pickup trucks, the 
cleanest vehicles available to the public should be more economical.
  The tax incentives provided by this bill would not only save 
consumers money--but spur market demand for more fuel-efficient 
vehicles. As people around the country embrace cleaner, more efficient 
cars, American automobile manufacturers must continue to improve fuel 
efficiency in order not to lose market share and jobs. This bill would 
help automakers invest in the production of alternative fuel motor 
vehicles--and accelerate the introduction of newer models into the 
marketplace.
  The Common Sense Automobile Efficiency Act provides a win-win 
situation for consumers, the economy, and the environment. It offers 
valuable incentives for the purchase and production of alternative 
vehicles and fuels--and enables consumers to help limit fuel 
consumption, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and protect our air 
quality.

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