Orrin Hatch: “I rise today to address a bill I have just introduced, S. 760, the ``CLEAR Act,'' which is short for the Clean Efficient…”

“I rise today to address a bill I have just introduced, S. 760, the ``CLEAR Act,'' which is short for the Clean Efficient Automobiles Resulting from Advanced Car Technologies Act. Let me begin my remarks by thanking the original cosponsors of S. 760, Senators Rockefeller, Jeffords, Kerry, Crapo, Lieberman, Collins, Chafee, and Gordon Smith, all of whom have joined with me in drafting this legislation which will help our country achieve a greater reliance on alternative fuel technologies. Our proposal relies on a system of tax-based incentives to encourage development of alternative fuel technologies and consumer acceptance of these products. Rather than rely on a system of federal mandates, we use tax credits to promote all of the advanced technologies being pursued by auto manufacturers in a dramatic effort to reduce emissions and improve efficiency. These technologies include: fuel cell; hybrid electric; alternative fuel; and battery electric vehicles. It is significant that our bipartisan initiative is founded on a belief that government should not be in the business of picking winners and losers in the free market. Rather, the CLEAR Act leaves it up to the consumer to choose among the lowest emitting vehicles. By promoting the technologies and fuels that improve air quality, S. 760 helps to solve two of our nation's most difficult and expensive problems, air pollution and energy dependence.”