HR 5734 - final submittals

Hi folks,

Well I submitted my formal comments on NHTSA Docket No. NHTSA-2008-0108 and HR 5734, "Bell the Hybrid Act." I've also used the petitions from HybridFest to send letters to the representatives of everyone who signed asking that hybrid electric owners get a fair seat at the table. I'd also sent a similar letter to not only my representative, Bud Cramer, but the whole Alabama delegation. I don't know what else I can do but wait to see what falls out.

I want to thank everyone who helped, especially Dr. Christopher Hogan, Eric Powers and Richard Krause. Each has helped me carry the load and with luck, we'll get HR 5734 fixed so it either becomes a safety aid and first step to the "smart highway" or dies.

Bob Wilson

 

I was just going over my final tally and came up with:

- June 23 hearing, ~$600, and 1,500 miles;
- initial Congressional mailing, ~$300;
- July 19-20 Hybridfest petition gathering, $350, and 1,500 miles;
- final Congressional mailing, $70;
- final submittal to NHTSA, $30; and
- labor hours north of 200 hours including coordination with other hybrid electric owners.

The interesting thing is if Debbie Ascone and the NHTSA had made a place for my presentation at the June 23 hearing, I would not have felt compelled to spend this much time and effort. But what really spun me up was when Brian Medford, the moderator answered my last question about fixing HR 5734 with, "Don't worry about it ...". These words were like using gasoline to put out a fire.

The cutoff for submittal is Friday, August 1 and if there is an interest, I'll post my materials on Saturday. I will continue to monitor media reports and follow-up as needed.

I will never regret one penny nor second of time spent on this effort. Had I done anything less, I would have cursed my sloth and cowardice. But now I can go back to my first love, engineering hybrid electric systems and helping them run until the wheels fall off.

Bob Wilson

 

I appreciate the thought but let's see if there are Congressional hearings on this bill and an invitation to speak. If so, we can 'do a deal' then. If not, well we've done what can be done and it will be time to take a different tack. We'll need the funds and support in the next phase to carry the ball forward.

If there is a next phase, I'll setup a 'paypal' donation entry for my company, 625k Inc., targeted for hybrid electric owner legislation and regulations. That way we can have clear accounting and reporting of any activities in that area <groan> even a newsletter. <groan> "Bob's Jobs" but I'll let my wife be the editor.

Bob Wilson