Bill Text: MI HR0099 | 2009-2010 | 95th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to urge the U.S. Department of Energy to give full consideration to advanced battery manufacturing grant applications from Michigan-based manufacturers.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2009-05-14 - Adopted [HR0099 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2009-HR0099-Introduced.html
Rep. Slavens offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 99.
A resolution to urge the U.S. Department of Energy to give full consideration to advanced battery manufacturing grant applications from Michigan-based manufacturers.
Whereas, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contains $2 billion in advanced battery manufacturing grants to promote home-grown technologies, create jobs, jump start an advanced manufacturing base, and accelerate the development and commercialization of safe and affordable electric drive vehicle systems; and
Whereas, Michigan is uniquely prepared to offer an American-led solution that meets these important goals. While Michigan's auto industry is facing historic challenges, this is also a time of unprecedented opportunity for our highly skilled workers to take a leadership role in meeting critical national needs. Nine of the world's top original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and 46 of the top 50 global suppliers have significant investments in Michigan. Much of these investments are now focused on developing the zero or near-zero emission vehicles of the future; and
Whereas, The Michigan Legislature and Governor Granholm have taken aggressive action to organize the state's considerable research, development, and manufacturing assets. Legislation was recently enacted that provides state-level incentives to leverage federal advanced energy investments. These incentives include $555 million in state tax credits for battery pack manufacturing, research and development, and engineering and construction of production-scale battery plants. Recently, Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions, along with the Ford Motor Company; LG Chem-Compact Power together with General Motors; A123 Systems along with Chrysler LLC; and KD Advanced Battery Group, a joint venture of the Dow Chemical Company, Kokam America, Inc., and Townsend Ventures LLC, have utilized these tax credits. These companies just recently announced plans to invest more than $1.7 billion to launch advanced battery manufacturing in Michigan; and
Whereas, Michigan is already stimulating second-generation lithium-ion technology development through a Centers of Excellence Program, which includes a University of Michigan spinout, Sakti3. The state has also formed various alliances with other academic and governmental entities, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center. These alliances position the United States to take immediate advantage of Michigan's strategic assets to establish the supply chain needed to support cell manufacturers, their suppliers, and vehicle OEMs. This supply chain will allow faster deployment throughout the product life cycle, from battery material development to recycling, reuse, and reclamation; and
Whereas, Establishing a North American battery "center of gravity" in Michigan will significantly improve the federal government's ability to meet its ambitious vehicle electrification goals and will pay dividends across the industrial Midwest through the development of a strong supply chain; and
Whereas, As the department begins its review process, it is clear that our nation needs to "get it right the first time" in deploying these recovery grant dollars. We urge you to strongly consider the importance of deploying the unmatched abilities and resources being offered by a state that has time and again persevered through regional and national challenges; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we the U.S. Department of Energy to give full consideration to advanced battery manufacturing grant applications from Michigan-based manufacturers; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy.
