Automotive Propulsion Research and Development Act of 1978, United States
The Automotive Propulsion Research and Development Act of 1978 established a research and development program within the United States Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure development of automotive propulsion systems within five years of enactment. Priority was given to developing propulsion systems with flexibility in the type of fuel they could accommodate. The Act directed the program to collect, analyze, and disseminate industrial developers’ information, data, and materials, and then supplement the development of advanced automobile technology in the industry but not to duplicate it.
Under this Act, Congress required the DOE to investigate industrial developers, laboratories, and leading institutions to determine whether their work fell within program specifications, and to offer contracts and grants to those that did. The DOE is required to submit an annual report to Congress detailing its allocation of money and research progress. The Act amended the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 and provided authority for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to undertake the development of advanced automotive propulsion systems.
- ERDA Authorization Act of 1978 - Civilian Applications (The Library of Congress)
- U.S. Code: Automotive Propulsion Research and Development (U.S. Office of the Law Revision Counsel)