Merkley, Wyden Announce Millions in Recovery Act Funding for Oregon Energy Projects

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) announced today that the Department of Energy has awarded millions in funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to create jobs and jump-start energy projects in Oregon.  Projects include the production of the next generation of electric cars, trucks and batteries for hybrid-electric vehicles.  Funds will also be used to develop 50 sites along major U.S. Interstate corridors to provide electrical systems for trucks so they do not have to keep their engines running at rest stops.

“By developing these innovative technologies we can transform America’s energy economy, spur job growth and lead the global race for new energy,” said Merkley. “These funds will create much needed clean energy jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and help combat harmful air pollution.”

“This funding will support green jobs at some great Oregon companies that are at the forefront of battery research and development,” Wyden said. “This is a good example of a federal investment in the American worker that will pay huge dividends today, and in Oregon’s future.”

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act invests billions in upgrading our nation’s transportation infrastructure, promoting the development and production of clean energy, and repairing public buildings to immediately create or save jobs.  The legislation cuts taxes for 95 percent of workers and their families, including tax credits of $400 per worker or $800 per family.  Finally, a third component of the bill provides vital funding for states to prevent state layoffs and ensure the continuation of important health, education and housing services.

The following projects will receive funding through the Department of Energy by way of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act:

Lebanon, OR and Holland, MI - Johnson Controls Inc. - $299,200,000

Fund will be allocated towards the production of battery cells and packs for hybrid and electric vehicles.

Albany, OR - EnerG2, Inc - $21,000,000

Funds will be allocated towards the production of high energy density nano-carbon for ultracapacitors.

Portland, OR - Navistar, Inc. - $39,200,000

Funds will be allocated towards the development of 400 advanced battery electric trucks.

The funding includes $99,800,000 that will be awarded to the Electric Transportation Engineering Corporation (ETEC) and its partner Nissan, for projects in Portland, Salem, Eugene, and Corvallis, Oregon and additional cities in Washington, California, Arizona, and Tennessee.  The funding will be used to demonstrate up to 5,000 Nissan electric vehicles and deploy up to 12,500 Level 2 and Level 3 chargers.