Gordon alternative fuel plan backed by House

Last Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a measure authored by U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon to address some of the challenges involved in developing and transitioning 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," said Gordon, ranking member of the House Science Committee. "We need less talk and more action that is relevant to the real world and consumers."

Last Friday, the House approved H.R. 6203, which supports energy programs related to a number of technical areas such as plug-in hybrid vehicles, solar energy and biofuels. Included in the legislation is Gordon's bill, H.R. 5658, which establishes research and development programs to tackle infrastructure issues for the next generation of fuels.

"This is an area where sound science and new technologies can help bring alternatives to consumers," said 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 existing domestic resources."

Gordon's provisions in the bill direct the Department of Energy and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to research and develop new technologies and 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, a fuel that is significantly cleaner than traditional diesel. As Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel moves from the refinery through the pipelines, tanks, trucks and related infrastructure, it may absorb enough residual sulfur to exceed the Environmental Protection Agency's new limit.

Gordon's measure addresses these transition problems by directing the Energy Department and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop methods and technologies that give fuel suppliers a practical way to test the sulfur content of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel.

Gordon has been an advocate for easing the transition to new energy technologies. Last year, he introduced legislation that would create an Advanced Research Projects Agency within the Department of Energy to focus on adapting energy research for commercial use.

"In order to become more energy independent, we must be willing to explore high-risk, high-pay-off energy research," said Gordon.