Secretary of Energy Moniz to Address Motor Vehicle Parts Suppliers

WASHINGTON--March 18, 2014: Secretary of Energy Dr. Ernest Moniz heads a lineup of speakers who will address motor vehicle parts suppliers at the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association's (MEMA) Legislative Summit. Dr. Moniz will speak to the group at 3 p.m. on April 2 at the W Hotel in Washington, D.C.

MEMA -- with 1,000 motor vehicle parts supplier members nationwide who account for more than 700,000 direct U.S. jobs -- hosts the Legislative Summit each year, enabling its members to meet with lawmakers and discuss key issues.

"We are honored to have Secretary Moniz address our members," said Steve Handschuh, MEMA president and CEO. "Research and development, fuel efficiency and advanced vehicle opportunities are each important to advancing our industry. I know our members will benefit from the insights and perspectives Dr. Moniz will bring."

Dr. Moniz was appointed by President Barack Obama in May 2013. Under his leadership, the U.S. Department of Energy has continued offering funding and cost sharing opportunities, allowing private industry to better collaborate with the federal government, and, in turn, improve opportunities for faster development.

In January, Dr. Moniz announced a $50 million funding opportunity to encourage research and development of new vehicle technologies.

Other speakers at the MEMA Legislative Summit will include Chandra Brown, deputy assistant secretary for manufacturing, U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration; Charlie Cook, political analyst, editor and publisher of The Cook Political Report and columnist for the National Journal; Gov. Bill Graves, president of the American Trucking Associations; Dave Regan, vice president of federal affairs, Phillips 66; Michael Robinet, managing director of IHS Automotive Consulting; and Karl Simon, director of the Transportation and Climate Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

MEMA will also present two Lifetime Achievement Awards: to Rep. John D. Dingell (D-Mich.) on April 2, and to Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) on April 3. Both Mr. Dingell and Mr. Levin have announced their retirement at the end of the 113th U.S. Congress.