New US bill supports heavy Hybrid Truck development (Leg. & Reg., Funding)

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that would encourage the development of heavy-duty hybrid trucks. H.R. 6323 -- the Heavy Hybrid Truck Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2008-- encourages hybrid research for trucks by offering manufacturers grants to build, test, and eventually sell heavy duty hybrids. In addition, the bill encourages the Department of Energy to expand its advanced energy storage technology research to include hybrid truck applications. The bill is expected to authorize $16 million a year through 2011 to fund program. (Source: Trucking Info, September 30, 2008). Contact: Congressman James Sensenbrenner, (202) 225-5101, sensenbrenner.house.gov.