Skip to main content
Image
Photo of Committee panel

Pallone’s Remarks at Electric and Conventional Vehicles Hearing

May 8, 2018

Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) delivered the following opening remarks today at a Subcommittee on Environment hearing on "Sharing the Road: Policy Implications of Electric and Conventional Vehicles in the Years Ahead:"

I am pleased we are finally having a hearing to discuss electric vehicles (EVs). These vehicles are transforming our transportation sector to the benefit of both consumers and our environment. I strongly support efforts to advance electric vehicles whether that be tax credits for EV purchases, assistance for the deployment of EV charging infrastructure, and federal investment in vehicle and battery research.

Unfortunately, though, progress in transportation modernization and fuel economy is under direct attack by the Trump Administration. Recent reports indicate that the Administration plans to undermine the 2012 agreement made between the auto industry, the State of California, advocates and the Obama Administration to increase the efficiency of our transportation fleet.

This is extremely shortsighted, and now comes word that President Trump intends to preempt California – a move that appears driven mainly by Administrator Pruitt and rightwing ideologues to benefit their favorite special interest – the petroleum industry. At the same time, the Administration is indiscriminately giving companies of all sizes waivers of the renewable fuel standard, undermining that program, too.

The Administration's efforts to gut enhanced fuel economy standards couldn't come at a worse time. Emissions in the transportation sector are continuing to grow. They now exceed those of the electricity sector. In 2017, the costs of weather-related disasters hit a record $306 billion. And just last month we hit another grim milestone: scientists recorded concentrations of heat-trapping carbon pollution in the atmosphere above 410 parts per million for an entire month. The last time carbon dioxide concentrations were at that level was three million years ago when seas were 66 feet higher, and human beings did not exist.

We cannot continue down this road. To avoid further catastrophic climate impacts, we must use every tool available to reduce greenhouse gases. EVs are one of our most critical tools to do this. In the face of a drastically changing climate, we cannot afford to move backwards on vehicle electrification.

I believe the future for electric vehicles is promising, and their lower operating and maintenance costs offer significant benefits to American consumers. As technologies improve and costs continue to decline, consumers will continue to demand cars that save money and help preserve a livable planet for future generations.

EVs have been sharing the road for some time now with conventional vehicles. As with any transformative technology, there are still barriers to widespread EV adoption. Some of those are technological. Other barriers are created by shortsighted entities who have a financial stake in the status quo and little stomach to push forward the electric platform that most auto company CEOs admit is critical for the future of their industry.

The growth of the EV market – even in the face of scant advertising and limited availability – is a testament to American innovation and consumers' desire for these vehicles. Continued investment in EVs and charging infrastructure can only yield positive benefits for our environment, the transportation industry, and the American people. We need smarter energy infrastructure and cleaner vehicles. Many cities across the country are taking the lead: it is time that we do more at the Federal level to support these efforts.

Thank you, I yield back.

###