The U.S. House of Representatives approved $25 million in loans last month to help auto industries produce advanced car batteries as well as work on gas-electric hybrid vehicles.

The goal of the loan is not only to help stimulate the economy but to help protect the environment as well.

Director of Environmental Studies Thomas Rohrer said auto makers need to get updated with the new technology.

“Hybrid vehicles will help us make the transition from internal combustion engines, an outdated 19th century technology, to new vehicles powered by electric energy, which is generated from renewable systems like solar or wind power,” he said.

Rohrer said the auto industries have a bad track record of outsourcing jobs.

“It may help to produce some employment opportunities in Michigan. But there is no guarantee of that,” Rohrer said. “The U.S. auto industry has a history of outsourcing jobs and using parts from foreign manufactures when it is to their benefit to do so. We shouldn’t expect any change in their actions.”

The U.S. government has set a standard that by 2020, all vehicles in production must reach a 35 mile per gallon minimum in fuel efficiency.

Associate Dean of Students Mike Owens said this plan has the potential to address two key points that need attention in the U.S.

“Anything that helps the industry revitalize and grow while protecting the environment is a positive step for the future,” Owens said. “It has the potential to assist the Michigan and national economy as well.”

Owens said this investment makes sense just as long as the auto industries are able to pay the money back.

“It would appear to make financial sense provided the loans are all repaid to the lender,” Owens said.

Others believe the money invested in this project should go toward other forms of transportation to protect the environment.

Rohrer said where the money is coming from for this project is the big question to him.

“The question is whether or not public funds should be invested in this or if private capital should be raised for this project,” Rohrer said. “In my opinion, public funds would be better spent on developing better public transportation systems.”

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