Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)
and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) announced today that the Department of Energy has
awarded millions in funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
to create jobs and jump-start energy projects in Oregon. Projects include
the production of the next generation of electric cars, trucks and batteries
for hybrid-electric vehicles. Funds will also be used to develop 50 sites
along major U.S. Interstate corridors to provide electrical systems for trucks
so they do not have to keep their engines running at rest stops.
“By
developing these innovative technologies we can transform America’s energy
economy, spur job growth and lead the global race for new energy,” said
Merkley. “These funds will create much needed clean energy jobs, reduce our
dependence on foreign oil, and help combat harmful air pollution.”
“This funding will support green jobs at some great Oregon companies that are
at the forefront of battery research and development,” Wyden said. “This is a
good example of a federal investment in the American worker that will pay huge
dividends today, and in Oregon’s future.”
The
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act invests billions in upgrading our
nation’s transportation infrastructure, promoting the development and
production of clean energy, and repairing public buildings to immediately
create or save jobs. The legislation cuts taxes for 95 percent of workers
and their families, including tax credits of $400 per worker or $800 per
family. Finally, a third component of the bill provides vital funding for
states to prevent state layoffs and ensure the continuation of important
health, education and housing services.
The following projects will receive funding through the
Department of Energy by way of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act:
Lebanon, OR and Holland, MI – Johnson Controls Inc. – $299,200,000
Fund will be allocated towards the production of battery cells and packs for hybrid and electric vehicles.
Albany, OR – EnerG2, Inc – $21,000,000
Funds will be allocated towards the production of high energy density nano-carbon for ultracapacitors.
Portland, OR – Navistar, Inc. – $39,200,000
Funds will be allocated towards the development of 400 advanced battery electric trucks.
The funding includes $99,800,000 that will be awarded to the
Electric Transportation Engineering Corporation (ETEC) and its partner Nissan, for
projects in Portland, Salem, Eugene, and Corvallis, Oregon and additional
cities in Washington, California, Arizona, and Tennessee. The funding
will be used to demonstrate up to 5,000 Nissan electric vehicles and deploy up
to 12,500 Level 2 and Level 3 chargers.
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