These vehicles will be built by Ford and Baker Electromotive and will be assembled in my Congressional District at the former Griffiss Air Force Base. This is a major step forward in efforts to get more alternative fuel vehicles on the road. It is also an important step in my efforts to make Central New York a focal point for alternative fuel technology vehicle production as well as research and development. This bill provides grants for airports to purchase alternative fueled vehicles. For the first time, we will provide federal assistance to help airports address increasingly difficult air quality problems.
Airports are now frequently the single largest source of pollution within their state or region.
This pilot program will promote the expanded use of alternative fuel vehicles and equipment at our nation's airports, helping to reduce smog forming pollutants, greenhouse gases, and toxic air contaminants. The new airport program will build on similar efforts that were included in the massive transportation bill, TEA 21. But I don't want to dwell too long on what we have already been able to accomplish. Today, I want to focus on where we need to go and what more needs to be done. One area for action is tax incentives at the federal, state, and local level.