The American Clean Energy and Security Act, also known as H.R. 2354, was opened up for amendments and debate today in Congress. The legislation is meant to introduce measures that increase energy efficiency, deploy green technology, and transition the country away from fossil-fuel dependence.
The Bill mandates utilities to begin development of plans that support electric vehicle infrastructure and standards for incorporating their integration with a smart power grid. It also authorizes the Secretary of Energy to provide financial assistance for the deployment of plug-in vehicles throughout the country. This assistance includes, but is not limited to, providing funds to offset the costs of purchasing electric cars, funding the construction of charging stations and battery-exchange stations, and promoting the integration of plug-in vehicles with the grid. It also states that the Secretary of Energy may financially assist automakers with the retooling of factories and the purchase of batteries for first-production models.
H.R. 2454 further directs the President, the Department of Transportation, the EPA, and various state regulatory agencies to establish regulations for greenhouse gas emissions and fuel economy standards.
With the private and public sectors collaborating to ensure wholesale upgrades to the energy infrastructure, it is increasingly becoming a question of when as opposed to if plug-in vehicles will have a major impact internationally.
No Comments Yet, Your Thoughts are Welcome. Ping.