NCGA Applauds House Vote to Improve Biofuels (2-9-07)

By an overwhelming margin, the U.S. House of Representatives approved $10 million for research into making biofuels and low sulfur diesel fuel more compatible with the current U.S. infrastructure, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) notes.

The bipartisan bill, H.R. 547, was introduced by Rep. Bart Gordon (R-Tenn.) and passed 400-3. The bill now moves to the Senate.

NCGA President Ken McCauley welcomed the vote. “Transportation and the infrastructure are as important for the growth of ethanol as production,” he said. “We hope the Senate agrees and acts quickly.”

The measure calls for the Environmental Protection Agency to research and develop additives for biofuels that would reduce: corrosion, contamination from water or other pollutants, dissolving sediments, logging of filters and other problems sometimes associated with alternative fuels. If successful, the program would eliminate the need for costly repairs and upgrades to the nation’s fuel transportation and delivery system.

“I want H.R. 547 to serve as an example of how we can identify problems big and small, and. . . develop creative ways to bridge technological gaps through research and development,” Congressman Gordon said.