Lofgren Re-Introduces Flex Fuel Bill to Combat Climate Change

TEAM Up for Energy Independence Act Promotes Alternatively Fueled Vehicles

Media Contact: Kyra Jennings, 202.225.3072, kyra.jennings@mail.house.gov

Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) re-introduced H.R. 182, the TEAM (To Encourage Alternatively fueled vehicle Manufacturing) Up for Energy Independence Act, yesterday during the opening day of the 110th Congress. H.R. 182 will encourage the production of alternatively fueled vehicles by phasing in a tax penalty on the manufacture or import of new, non-flex fuel cars, light trucks, and SUVs. Rep. Lofgren first introduced this bill in the 109th Congress as H.R. 5959 last July.

“My bill would be a step to help combat climate change and promote energy independence by encouraging the development and distribution of alternatively fueled vehicles,” said Rep. Lofgren. “In the 110th Congress, we will be focusing on numerous ways to achieve energy independence for our country, and my bill could help achieve this goal.”

H.R. 182 phases in a tax penalty on the manufacture or import of new, non-flex fuel vehicles. Any revenues generated by this tax will then be used to help independent gas station owners install alternative fuel equipment. Since the cost of producing flex fuel vehicles is minimal at the time of manufacturing, these tax penalties can be easily avoided and will provide a needed incentive to move this emerging alternative energy technology forward.

“Currently, there are only 6 million flex fuel capable cars on the road and about 900 fueling stations that provide alternative fuel across the country — with just 4 stations in California. We must do more to make flex fuel vehicles practical and accessible to everyone,” Rep. Lofgren continued. “H.R. 182 is one of many steps we can take to achieve energy independence and help America move towards a more secure and sustainable future.”