[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 21, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E604]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLES

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                             HON. DAVE CAMP

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 21, 2007

  Mr. CAMP of Michigan. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing 
legislation that aims to help propel the introduction of plug-in hybrid 
vehicles by automobile manufacturers. These clean, efficient, high 
performance vehicles have the potential to reduce the nation's 
dependence on foreign oil, lower emissions, and help the nation's auto 
manufacturer's move forward into the nextgeneration of advanced 
technology vehicles.
  Government mandates are no substitute for the power of capital 
markets. That is why my bill is aimed squarely at consumers. Providing 
tax credits to consumers for the purchase of any type of plug-in hybrid 
vehicle, allows people to pick and choose the model that suits their 
needs and preferences. The goal of this legislation is to stimulate 
consumer interest in these new vehicle technologies.
  The current bottleneck for producing plug-in vehicles is battery 
technology. The Administration has proposed millions of new research 
dollars aimed at advanced battery technology. This type of research is 
important. Breakthroughs are needed to usher today's concept plug-in 
vehicles into the showrooms and ready for customer purchase. To date, 
the types of batteries needed to power cars and trucks are too heavy, 
too expensive, and too limited. I am confident, however, that America's 
ingenuity and desire to take a global lead in battery research will 
soon overcome the current barriers to entry that exist for plug-in 
hybrid vehicles.
  My bill stimulates consumer demand by providing taxpayers a maximum 
tax credit of 10 percent of the cost of any plug-in hybrid vehicle up 
to a maximum $4,000 in the case of a plug-in with a 4kWh battery. Each 
additional kWh would get an extra $250 credit. This model is based on 
the electric vehicle tax credit.
  Most auto manufacturers are already working on plug-in hybrid vehicle 
technologies. I believe with greater consumer demand, Detroit's 
automakers can, and will produce vehicles that meet the demands of 
consumers and address concerns over foreign oil, high gas prices, and 
cleaner air. My bill is just one of many ideas to help bring about this 
desired result.

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