Transportation Secretary LaHood, U.S. Rep Biggert Visit TTRDC

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and U.S. Representative Judy Biggert review a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) test platform at Argonne National Laboratory, with Argonne deputy division director Don Hillebrand (far left) and Argonne lab director Eric Isaacs (far right).

On April 24, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13th) visited Argonne to tour the lab’s Transportation Technology Research and Development Center (TTRDC).

The visit occurred as Congress looks to reauthorize U.S. transportation programs for another six-year period. It also took place just days after Earth Day.

“Earth Day this week served as a reminder of our urgent need for a new course on energy in order to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” said LaHood.  “With the leadership of the White House, the Department of Transportation will take the aggressive action needed to tackle the climate change threat by shifting away from fossil fuels, improving vehicle technologies, and optimizing the transportation network to reduce fuel-wasting activities like idling in traffic.  Research facilities like Argonne are critical in developing technological solutions for the transportation sector that are environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and sustainable.”

Lab director Eric Isaacs led the tour, which included stops at Argonne’s Advanced Powertrain Research Facility and Locomotive Engine Research Facility.

“These facilities at Argonne are perfect examples of how support for federal research can translate into cutting-edge technologies that keep America competitive and improve our lives,” said Biggert.

April 2009