Max Baucus: “First, let me compliment my friend for his thoughtful discussion of this issue. The Senator from Delaware has obviously…”

“First, let me compliment my friend for his thoughtful discussion of this issue. The Senator from Delaware has obviously done a fair amount of homework on automotive technology, and I appreciate his insights on the benefits of clean diesel technology. Let me also congratulate the Senator on his work with Senator Voinovich and others on the recently introduced legislation to clean up heavy-duty diesel engines through retrofitting. We adopted that measure as an amendment to the energy bill earlier this week, and I think it is an important addition, so I thank the Senator for his work in that regard. Now, to respond to the Senator's question concerning the diesel lean- burn provision from the House bill. Under the House provision, the tax credit would be available for the purchase of diesel vehicles meeting certain fuel efficiency and emissions standards. As long as a vehicle met those standards, it would be considered a ``lean burning'' vehicle and thereby merit the tax credit to the purchaser.”