The National Science Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to Bison Gear and Engineering to determine the feasibility of a breakthrough electric motor design. The grant will be utilized in creating a more efficient electric motor for use in a variety of industrial machinery. According to the company’s press release, approximately 40 million inefficient small motors are used in the nation’s manufacturing industry. U.S. Congressman J. Dennis Hastert backed support of the grant, which comes at a time when Congress is looking to pass a national energy bill, reducing the States’ dependence on foreign oil. According to Bison’s press release, this research could result in a increase of small motor efficiency from an average of 60% to 80%. In addition, it can retrofit motors into current industrial machinery, reducing electricity consumption and operating costs.