Ruppersberger Applauds GM’s Move to Build Hybrid Transmissions in White Marsh

(White Marsh, MD)- {Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Maryland 2nd) applauds General Motors’ decision to design and build hybrid transmissions at the Allison Transmission Plant in White Marsh.  GM says it plans to invest $118 million in upgrades to the facility and create 87 new jobs.

“This is wonderful news for Maryland.  Hybrid vehicles help cut our dependence on foreign oil while protecting the environment.  Congress just recently passed legislation that offers a $4,000 federal tax credit for people who purchase hybrids.  In addition, jobs are the gasoline that fuels our economy.  If you don’t have a job, you can’t support your family or your community.  This announcement helps protect the environment while also strengthening our communities,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger.  

Congressman Ruppersberger is a champion of federal hybrid legislation that offers Americans valuable tax credits when they purchase hybrid vehicles.  The Congressman sponsored legislation in 2004 and 2005 that encourages people to drive environmentally friendly hybrids by creating a Clean Vehicle Tax Credit of up to $4000.  The language in the Congressman’s bill was included in the Energy bill that passed Congress last year. 

When the Congressman was the Baltimore County Executive, he played a critical role in encouraging Allison Transmission to build its facility in White Marsh.  The facility opened in 2000 and currently employs 440 workers. 

Congressman Ruppersberger was invited to attend today’s announcement in White Marsh but was not able to because important votes were being held in Congress.

Congressman Ruppersberger visited Allison Transmission in September, 2004, and asked GM to consider expanding the plant to produce hybrid vehicles.  The Congressman test drove a hybrid truck.  Please feel free to use the attached photograph of the visit in your publication.  }

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