Automotive Transport Research and Development Act

(Measure indefinitely postponed in Senate, H.R. 13655 passed in lieu)

Automotive Transport Research and Development Act - Adds a new title (Research and Development) to the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act. States that the purposes of such title are: (1) to make grants for, and support through obligation, guarantees, research and development leading to production, prototypes of an advanced automobile or automobiles within four years from the date of enactment and to secure the certification after testing of those prototypes which are likely to meet the Nation's long-term goals with respect to fuel economy, safety, environmental protection, and other objectives; and (2) to preserve, enhance and facilitate competition in research, development, and production of existing and alternative automobiles and automobile components.

Authorizes the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to perform specific tasks, including the following: (1) make contracts and grants for research and development efforts likely to lead or contribute to the development of an advanced automobile or automobiles; (2) make obligation guarantees for research and development efforts which show promise of leading or contributing to the development of an advanced automobile or automobiles; (3) establish, conduct and accelerate research and development projects for the purpose of contributing to the development of production prototypes of an advanced automobile or automobiles; and (4) test or direct the testing of production prototypes and secure certification as advanced automobiles for those which meet the applicable requirements.

Grants the Administrator overall management responsibility for carrying out the program under this title. Permits the Administrator to use the Department of Transportation and other agencies, to the extent he determines that they have capabilities to contribute to the attainment of the purposes of this Act.

Authorizes the appropriation of up to $175,000,000 to pay the interest on, and the principal balance of, any obligation guaranteed by the Administrator as to which the obligor has defaulted.

Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to test each production prototype of an automobile developed in whole or in part with Federal financial assistance under this Act, or referred to him for such purpose by the Administrator or (ERDA) to determine whether such production prototype complies with any exhaust emission standards or any other requirements promulgated or reasonably expected to be promulgated under any provision of the Clean Air Act, the Noise Control Act, or any other provision of Federal law administered by him. Sets forth patent rights for inventions made in the course of activities conducted under this Act.

Requires the Administrator of (ERDA) to submit annual reports to Congress on activities under this Act.

Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act of $55,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1978.