Trade Association Lauds Obama's Push for Electric Vehicles

Feb. 15, 2011

Proposed budget includes funding to support goal of 1 million electric vehicles on U.S. roads by 2015.

The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) praised President Obama's proposed fiscal year 2012 budget, which asks for more funding for electric-drive research, development and deployment programs.

The Obama administration also is proposing a change to the existing plug-in electric-drive vehicle tax credit to enable consumers to get the value of the credit at the point of sale.

"EDTA commends the Obama administration for recognizing that in a highly constrained budget environment, it is even more critical that our federal investments reflect our nation's priorities," EDTA President Brian Wynne said. "Establishing alternatives to foreign-oil dependence is a top priority for U.S. national security and economic competitiveness, and domestically produced electricity can be a key alternative to oil.

"We particularly support the president's recommendations to increase investment in technology innovation, electric-drive vehicle and infrastructure deployment and to make it easier for consumers and businesses to buy electric-drive vehicles."

Wynne urged the administration to leverage "investment in the next wave of emerging electric-drive solutions."

"Fuel-cell vehicles will provide critical additional pathways in displacing oil with electricity," Wynne said. "We look forward to working with the administration and Congress to ensure that the public and private efforts to realize their potential can continue in a meaningful way."

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.