U.S. House Subcommittees Tackle Hybrid Efficiency, Pass Antifreeze Legislation

Motor,  Oct 2006  

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Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), chairman of the Energy and Resources Subcommittee of the Government Reform Committee, held a hearing recently to discuss the potential for hybrid vehicles to improve this country's fuel economy and reduce its dependence on foreign oil.

Issa is interested in increasing the commercialization of "plug-in" hybrid electric vehicles. These vehicles plug into normal household outlets to charge their batteries and could be more cost-efficient than refueling a vehicle with gasoline or diesel fuel.

"Consumers are clamoring for more hybrids and, together with increased CAFE standards, the next generation of hybrids can provide a foundation for reducing petroleum consumption," said Issa.

President Bush also mentioned in a speech recently that the United States is progressing well in the development of plug-in hybrid battery technology. This technology could allow drivers to travel 40 miles without using petroleum-based fuels.

In other news from Capitol Hill, the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Waste has passed H.R. 2567, The Antifreeze Bittering Act of 2005. Introduced by Rep. Gary L. Ackerman (D-NY) in May 2005, H.R. 2567 will amend the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and require that all antifreeze and engine coolant contain a bittering agent to cause it to be unpalatable.

This legislation will exempt the following from the bittering agent requirement:

*the sale of a motor vehicle that contains engine coolant or antifreeze and

*wholesale containers of engine coolant or antifreeze containing 55 gallons or more of either fluid.

A similar bill, S. 1110, was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sen. George Allen (R-VA). However, this version of The Antifreeze Bittering Act of 2005 has yet to be marked up.

Copyright Hearst Business Publishing Oct 2006
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