House Considers Funding Green Vehicle Research

Targeting more spending toward the auto industry, the House on Wednesday considered expanding government-led research into how to make cars more fuel-efficient. The House was debating a bill that could allow the Energy Department to spend up to $200 million more per year on research and development for advanced-technology vehicles and auto parts. Aides said it could lead Congress to increase annual spending on the research to as much as $550 million. It represents the latest move by Congress and the Obama administration to aid the auto industry. The White House stepped in with billions of dollars to rescue General Motors and Chrysler and lead the companies through bankruptcy last summer, and Congress approved $25 billion last year to help the industry retool assembly plants to meet tougher fuel economy standards. Congress also created a $3 billion Cash for Clunkers program of incentives to encourage consumers to buy new cars...AP