RESOLUTION TO PROMOTE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY VEHICLES

WHEREAS, the nation is now looking to chart a new direction in energy policy; and

WHEREAS, improvements in energy efficiency will be an important part of national energy policy; and

WHEREAS, hundreds of thousands of auto industry jobs are tied to the nation's urban communities; and

WHEREAS, these jobs are important to communities in terms of employment opportunities and training, supporting urban tax bases and education systems; and

WHEREAS, promising new advanced, energy efficient vehicle technologies are emerging and necessary for significant fuel economy improvements, but require assistance to make the transition to widespread consumer acceptance and commercial viability; and

WHEREAS, government also has a key role to play to work cooperatively with U.S. industry to aid the research of advanced technology breakthroughs and innovation and to help bring advanced technology to market quickly and effectively through policies that encourage early adoption and provide incentives to make these vehicles more affordable to consumers,

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors strongly supports Federal and state income tax credits, other consumer incentives for the purchase of vehicles with advanced energy efficient technologies, and the pursuit of other consumer-focused transportation alternatives like mass transit system enhancement and development.