Environmental concerns and national security threats demand we move beyond foreign oil as an energy source. We can expedite progress in this area by funding the development of advanced technologies, alternative fuels and new infrastructure.

Congress’ answer to reducing carbon emissions has been passing transitional Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulation policies. While CAFE regulations require an increase in fuel efficiency, vehicle increase as well. At the same time, CAFE standards force automakers to divert limited R&D funding to invest in gasoline based technology to meet these new standards. These new technologies still run on gasoline at the end of the day and are not the final answer. With all of the developments being made by automakers today, now is the time to direct federal funding to the development of advanced technologies that will render gasoline obsolete.

Domestic automakers invest more than $17 billion annually in research and development, more than any other industry. They have integrated hybrid powertrains which greatly increase fuel economy. Engines that can run on alternative fuels like ethanol, clean diesel and biodiesel are found in vehicles from the largest full size trucks to the smallest compact cars. They are applying these technologies across the entire product mix.

Not only do we need to invest in the development of these new technologies, we also must invest in the infrastructure necessary for these vehicles to operate on our nation’s roads and highways. Current alternative fuel vehicles range from biofuels such as E85 and biodiesel, to gas/electric hybrids, electric vehicles, plug in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cells. The pros are pretty clear—less gas consumption and fewer emissions. However, the infrastructure is not keeping pace with these advances. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles show exciting promise but there are no hydrogen pipelines and very few fueling stations.

It is important to also provide incentives for consumers to replace older vehicles with these new options in order to really make a difference. It typically takes 10-15 years to replace a fleet so we need to start this process now by providing tax incentives and other enticements so consumers will visit their local dealers and get these cleaner vehicles out on the road.