Eshoo bill promotes use of electric vehicles

[bkengland]

Eshoo bill promotes use of electric vehicles
Proposed law would establish a program for wider use

by Don Kazak
Palo Alto Online Staff

U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, has introduced a bill that aims to
increase the use of electric vehicles across the country.

HR 1742 would allow state and local governments, and private
companies, to apply for federal aid to increase the use of electric
vehicles. The bill would authorize the Secretary of Energy to
establish a program for plug-in electric vehicles in regions across
the country. State and local governments would be able to apply for
federal assistance in promoting wider use of plug-in electric
vehicles.

In addition to state and local governments, electric utilities,
automobile manufacturers, technology providers and car-sharing
companies can also apply for assistance, together or in groups.

"The U.S. can address its dependence on oil and become a global leader
of technology to electrify the transportation sector if we enact
policies that encourage collaboration and development of innovative
technologies," Eshoo said.

"The president has spoken at length about using private-public
partnerships to overcome the obstacles we face," Eshoo said. "My
legislation will encourage the government to work with private
entities to facilitate the integration of electric cars in our
country."