Publication Detail
Rethinking PNGV
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UCD-ITS-RP-96-10 Presentation Series Download PDF |
Suggested Citation:
Sperling, Daniel (1996) Rethinking PNGV. Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis, Presentation Series UCD-ITS-RP-96-10
Presented at the Hearings on a Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV). 104th Congress, 2nd Session, US House of Representatives, House Science Committee, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, Washington, DC
Let me begin by saying that I strongly endorse the goals of PNGV and the need for strong government support of advanced vehicle R&D. It is clear that the automotive industry is on the threshold of a technological revolution. Technology is near at hand to achieve huge and rapid improvements in energy use and pollution reduction. But industry has little incentive to pursue many of these advanced technologies because their major benefits – reduction of oil imports, greenhouse gases, and air pollution – do not have value in the marketplace. And so there is a clear role for government, as a regulator and supporter of advanced technology R&D.
There is another important reason for government to support these advanced automotive technologies: global competitiveness, to assure that the United States retains international leadership. Other countries seem more determined than us to develop these new technologies and advanced vehicles, for reasons I will indicate below. If we sit passively by, the nation risks losing millions of jobs and billions of dollars in economic growth.
Let me begin by saying that I strongly endorse the goals of PNGV and the need for strong government support of advanced vehicle R&D. It is clear that the automotive industry is on the threshold of a technological revolution. Technology is near at hand to achieve huge and rapid improvements in energy use and pollution reduction. But industry has little incentive to pursue many of these advanced technologies because their major benefits – reduction of oil imports, greenhouse gases, and air pollution – do not have value in the marketplace. And so there is a clear role for government, as a regulator and supporter of advanced technology R&D.
There is another important reason for government to support these advanced automotive technologies: global competitiveness, to assure that the United States retains international leadership. Other countries seem more determined than us to develop these new technologies and advanced vehicles, for reasons I will indicate below. If we sit passively by, the nation risks losing millions of jobs and billions of dollars in economic growth.
Congressional Record. Committee print no. 75.