[nagdu] Quiet car legislation coming up

[Tracy Carcione]

Forwarding from another list.


Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 6:03 PM
Subject: Legislative Alert - Motor Vehicle Safety Act


Dear Fellow Federationists:



I am writing to report that all of our hard work on the issue of silent cars
is paying off.  Language that will protect the blind and others from the
danger posed by silent hybrid and electric vehicles has been favorably
reported to the United States House of Representatives by the Committee on
Energy and Commerce as part of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010 (H.R.
5381).  This legislation, which is a comprehensive bill to address numerous
vehicle safety issues raised by the recent Toyota recalls, now includes
language agreed to by the National Federation of the Blind, the Alliance of
Automobile Manufacturers, and the Association of International Automobile
Manufacturers.  If passed by the House of Representatives and adopted by the
Senate, this language will require the Department of Transportation to issue
regulations requiring a minimum sound standard for hybrid and electric
automobiles.



This victory is a product of our hard work and the cooperation of the
automobile industry, but we will need to remain vigilant to make sure this
bill becomes law.  We will keep you apprised of developments and let you
know if action needs to be taken to secure this victory.



Thank you again for all you do.



Sincerely,





Jesse M. Hartle

Government Programs Specialist

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND

Telephone:  (410) 659-9314, extension 2233

E-mail:
jhartle at nfb.org