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January 18, 2007

Chairman Works to Ease Transition to Alternative Fuels

In a continued effort to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil and diversify the nation’s fuel supply, House Committee on Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) today introduced legislation that sets up R&D programs to tackle infrastructure issues for the next generation of fuels.

"This is an area where sound science and new technologies can provide consumers with accessible fuel alternatives," added Rep. Gordon.  "We have a responsibility to make alternative fuels like E85 ethanol and biodiesel part of an aggressive and balanced energy policy that promotes conservation and efficiency while maximizing current domestic resources."

H.R. 547, The Advanced Fuels Infrastructure Research and Development Act, directs the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to research and develop new technologies and methods such as fuel additives, blend stocks, and easier tank reconditioning methods that would allow retailers to use alternative fuels – like E85 ethanol – in existing infrastructure, significantly reducing costs both for businesses and consumers.

"If this country is serious about reducing our dependence on foreign oil, we need to get serious about mobilizing the infrastructure necessary to distribute and dispense alternative fuels," added Chairman Gordon.

H.R. 547 also directs DOE and NIST to develop an affordable, portable, quick, and accurate way to test the sulfur content of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel (ULSD).  As ULSD moves from the refinery through the pipelines, tanks, trucks and related infrastructure, there is concern that it could absorb enough residual sulfur to exceed the new EPA limit.  H.R. 547 addresses this issue by directing DOE and NIST to develop methods and technologies that give fuel suppliers an affordable, portable, quick, and accurate way to test the sulfur content of ULSD.

In the 109th Congress, Gordon introduced similar legislation to help facilitate the marketing of alternative fuels to consumers.  In 2006, the bill’s provisions were approved by the Committee as an amendment to H.R. 5656, the Energy Research, Development, Demonstration, and Commercial Application Act of 2006 and passed by the full House of Representatives (as H.R. 6203).

The Science and Technology Committee intends to act on this legislation early in the 110th Congress.

 

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