House Approves Measure to Address U.S. Energy Challenges
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved energy legislation designed to address many of America’s looming energy challenges, including the development and transition to alternative sources of fuel.
"If our country is serious about reducing our dependence on foreign oil, we must get serious about mobilizing the infrastructure necessary to distribute and dispense the next generation of fuels. We need less talk about alternatives and more action that is relevant to the real world and consumers," said Science Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN).
H.R. 6203, To provide for Federal energy research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities, and for other purposes was comprised of legislation that passed the House Committee on Science in June (H.R. 5656). The bill supports energy programs in a number of technical areas such as hydrogen storage, plug-in hybrid vehicles, solar energy, biofuels, and green building education.
Included in the legislation passed by the House today is H.R. 5658 by Science Committee Ranking Member Gordon 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."
The Gordon provisions in the bill direct 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 in existing infrastructure, significantly reducing costs both for businesses and consumers.
The bill also addresses potential challenges in the transition to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) – a fuel significantly cleaner than traditional diesel. As ULSD moves from the refinery through the pipelines, tanks, trucks and related infrastructure, it may absorb enough residual sulfur to exceed the new EPA limit. H.R. 5658 addresses these transition problems by directing the 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.
"While I support this bill, I personally believe the Committee should be sending a stronger message regarding the future of high-risk, high-pay-off energy R&D. Specifically, we should move towards the establishment of an Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy (ARPA-E) as directed in my bill (H.R. 4435)," concluded Rep. Gordon, reiterating the need for an organization capable of finding and promoting research breakthroughs, and converting those findings into potentially transformational energy technologies that will make the country more energy self-sufficient.
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