Hybrid Incentive Amendment To Energy Bill Proposed

Motor, Jun 2005 by Nash, Tom

An amendment to authorize $3 billion over the next 10 years to provide incentives to automakers to increase production of hybrids and other alternative-fuel vehicles has been proposed by U.S. Rep. Harold E. Ford Jr. (D-TN). The amendment also would provide consumer incentives, including discounts and rebates, for the purchase of hybrid vehicles.

The amendment would be added to the recently passed U.S. Energy Policy Act, H.R. 6, which will provide funding to the EPA to promote hybrid vehicle usage. The amendment only authorizes the program, it does not fund it. The funding will be subject to the congressional appropriations approval process.