During his annual State of the Union Address, President Obama called for an American commitment to innovation and advanced, clean energy. Below is a statement from Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) President Brian Wynne:
"EDTA commends the President for recognizing the value of advancing energy technologies that reduce America's dependence on foreign oil, improve the environment and increase U.S. economic competitiveness. A strong commitment to innovation and advanced energy is the way forward for a more prosperous, more secure and more competitive nation.
"Building the vehicles and infrastructure for an electrified transportation sector will play a critical role in achieving those goals. Last year was a successful year for the electric drive industry and we need to build upon key industry strides to increase the use of electric vehicles in the U.S. through dynamic public-private sector collaboration.
"This year will be important for advancing electric drive vehicles because in 2012 Americans will be able to choose from more than 30 hybrid models and 20 new plug-in electric vehicles to meet their driving diverse needs. Market adoption of electric drive technologies – from hybrid, battery, plug-in and fuel cell vehicles – is creating U.S. jobs while building a cleaner, more efficient vehicle fleet.
"EDTA looks forward to working with the President and Congress to ensure that the policies that will accelerate electric drive technology development and promote investment in manufacturing and charging infrastructure are put in place this year. These policies will help us realize our shared goals for reducing dependence on imported oil and growing a robust, 'built to last' American economy."
