House Democrats seek to expand loan program for fuel-efficient vehicle projects Audrey LaForest Print WASHINGTON—Two House Democrats introduced a bill April 1 that would expand a loan program within the Department of Energy for projects that are committed to the production of fuel-efficient vehicles and parts. The bill, sponsored by Reps. Debbie Dingell of Michigan and Julia Brownley of California, would update the Energy Department's Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing loan program by broadening the definition of eligible borrowers to include "ultra-efficient vehicles," as well as light-duty and medium-duty passenger vehicles and heavy-duty vehicles that meet emissions standards set by the EPA or emit zero emissions.