Carper in Detroit to Fight for Jobs, Senator Also Investigates Energy-Friendly Technologies

DETROIT, MI – Senator Tom Carper is visiting the headquarters of General Motors and DaimlerChrysler on a two day trip in Detroit this week, fighting to keep Delaware’s auto manufacturing plants running and investigating the companies’ energy-efficient advanced technologies. At the plants, Carper will see some promising new technologies including diesels, fuel cells and hybrids. “Delaware produces more cars per capita than anywhere in the country and that is a standard we must continue to set,” Carper said. “Our state is also on the cutting edge of new technologies like fuel cells and bio-diesel fuel. Applying new technologies to current auto-manufacturing processes offers unlimited potential for improving both the industry and the environment.” A member of both the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Carper has called for increased use of energy efficient technologies to limit the nation’s dependence on foreign oil. As Governor, he successfully lead the fight to keep Delaware’s General Motors plant open. During this trip to Detroit, Carper will test-drive hybrid and diesel vehicles and encourage top-level executives at each company to move these cars to market. “Unless curbed, our nation’s increased demand for oil could force us to drill more at home or import more from countries who wish us harm,” Carper said. ” Both GM and DaimlerChrysler are developing incredibly advanced new vehicles. The key is to get these new fuel efficient vehicles produced in the plants, hopefully in Delaware’s plants, and on the road as quickly as possible.” As a member of the Senate Energy Committee during the drafting of the Senate Energy Bill, Carper helped secure investments in alternative energy sources, incentives for conservation as well as production, tax credits for consumers who buy energy efficient vehicles and support for fuel cells and solar power. Last summer, Carper held a series of discussions on energy production and conservation throughout Delaware. Called “Conversations on America’s Energy Future,” the forums featured presentations from the operators of traditional energy producers like coal and natural gas power plants, examples of alternative energy sources like wind and solar power, the input of environmental activists, and a presentation of the some Delaware’s “Best Energy Practices,” including successful efforts at conservation and energy efficiency.