Washington – The Senate Appropriations Committee took an important step this week toward reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil by approving $100 million for the development of advanced battery technologies for vehicles not solely powered by gasoline, such as plug-in electric hybrids and electric-drive cars.

Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) led a bipartisan coalition to press for the funding, which, if approved by the full Senate, would be the largest dollar figure ever appropriated toward the development of these technologies. It would more than double the $48.2 million budgeted last year for the development of advanced vehicle energy storage systems.

“Our oil dependence threatens our national security, strains family budgets and contributes to global warming,” Senator Bayh said. “Advanced battery systems have enormous potential to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and federal leadership is needed if we are to make the transition to a more energy-efficient future.”

If approved by Congress, the appropriation would support public, private, and academic research programs that are developing novel, high capacity energy storage systems for next generation vehicles. Senator Bayh authored legislation to spur federal investment in advanced battery technologies, which was included in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 that became law in December.

“Currently, 97 percent of our nation’s transportation sector is dependent on oil,” Bayh said. “We must begin the process of developing alternative, sustainable ways to power the vehicles we drive and create the infrastructure to support these technologies. If this funding decision is signed into law, we will be doing just that.”

The Senate Appropriations Energy and Water bill, which included the $100 million dollars for electric vehicle technologies, must next be voted on by the full Senate and the House of Representatives.

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