Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) has introduced the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act, a measure that would create an advanced vehicle technology research development program at the Department of Energy.
The bill, which has already gone through the House of Representatives, is also being introduced by Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).

Under the bill, the DOE would set up public-private partnerships with academia and industry, including suppliers, to carry out research and development for light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles to develop and produce advanced motor vehicles. The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association voiced its support for the bill.

"Our members are very glad to see this bill introduced in the Senate and commend Sen. Stabenow for her leadership in moving forward," said Bob McKenna, MEMA's president and CEO. "We believe the programs in this bill will help improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, support domestic research and manufacturing, and ultimately lead to greater consumer choice of vehicle technologies and fuels.

"Suppliers are critical to developing the technologies necessary to accomplish these goals."