((a)) ** Program direction** The Secretary shall carry out a program, in accordance with sections 13541 and 13542 of this title, on techniques related to improving natural gas and other alternative fuel vehicle technology, including—
((1)) fuel injection;
((2)) carburetion;
((3)) manifolding;
((4)) combustion;
((5)) power optimization;
((6)) efficiency;
((7)) lubricants and detergents;
((8)) engine durability;
((9)) ignition, including fuel additives to assist ignition;
((10)) multifuel engines;
((11)) emissions control, including catalysts;
((12)) novel gas compression concepts;
((13)) advanced storage systems;
((14)) advanced gaseous fueling technologies; and
((15)) the incorporation of advanced materials in these areas.
((b)) ** Cooperative agreements and assistance** The Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with, and provide financial assistance to, public or private entities willing to provide 50 percent of the costs of a program to perform activities under subsection (a).
((c)) ** Definitions** For purposes of this section—
((1)) the term “alternative fuel vehicle” means a motor vehicle that operates on alternative fuels; and
((2)) the term “motor vehicle” includes any automobile, truck, bus, van, or other on-road or off-road motor vehicle, including a boat.