§ 16051. Joint flexible fuel/hybrid vehicle commercialization initiative

(a) Definitions In this section:

(1) Eligible entity The term “eligible entity” means—

(A) a for-profit corporation;

(B) a nonprofit corporation; or

(C) an institution of higher education.

(2) Program

The term “program” means a program established under subsection (b).

(b) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a program to improve technologies for the commercialization of—

(1) a combination hybrid/flexible fuel vehicle; or

(2) a plug-in hybrid/flexible fuel vehicle.

(c) Grants In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall provide grants that give preference to proposals that—

(1) achieve the greatest reduction in miles per gallon of petroleum fuel consumption;

(2) achieve not less than 250 miles per gallon of petroleum fuel consumption; and

(3) have the greatest potential of commercialization to the general public within 5 years.

(d) Verification Not later than 90 days after August 8, 2005, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register procedures to verify—

(1) the hybrid/flexible fuel vehicle technologies to be demonstrated; and

(2) that grants are administered in accordance with this section.

(e) Report Not later than 260 days after August 8, 2005, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that—

(1) identifies the grant recipients;

(2) describes the technologies to be funded under the program;

(3) assesses the feasibility of the technologies described in paragraph (2) in meeting the goals described in subsection (c);

(4) identifies applications submitted for the program that were not funded; and

(5) makes recommendations for Federal legislation to achieve commercialization of the technology demonstrated.

(f) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, to remain available until expended—

(1) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2006;

(2) $7,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;

(3) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2008; and

(4) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2009.

(Pub. L. 109–58, title VII, § 706, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 817.)