- Advanced Fuels Infrastructure Research and Development Act Will Make Biofuels Easier to Access and Use -

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Darlene Hooley (OR-05) voted to make alternative fuels more affordable and accessible and reduce the U.S. dependence on foreign oil.  The House overwhelmingly passed H.R. 547, the Advanced Fuels Infrastructure Research and Development Act, this afternoon by a vote of 400 to 3.  Hooley cosponsored the bill and helped move it out of the Science Committee, of which she is a member.  The legislation initiates a research and development program to make biofuels more compatible with present-day infrastructure.

“If we are going to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil, then we need to get serious about preparing alternative fuels so that they can be used within our existing infrastructure,” said Hooley.  “Developing technologies to make biofuels more immediately accessible to consumers will bring cost and environmental savings to retailers and consumers sooner.”

H.R. 547 authorizes $10 million to initiate a research and development program to make biofuels more compatible with present-day infrastructure. Currently, biofuels like E85 ethanol and some biodiesel blends have different physical and chemical properties, often making them incompatible with existing petroleum-based infrastructure. As a result, tank and pipeline corrosion, sediment buildup and/or clogged filters are among the issues that can arise.

This bill works to save fuel distributors and retailers from bearing the high cost of replacing or building new infrastructure and instead directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—in consultation with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)—to research and develop new technologies that would allow retailers to use alternative fuels in existing infrastructure – essentially, putting the fuel in consumers tanks at a savings to retailers and consumers. Some of those technologies might include fuel additives, blend stocks or easier tank reconditioning methods.

H.R. 547 has been endorsed by the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers Association, National Association of Convenient Stores, Renewable Fuels Association, Natural Resources Defense Council, Petroleum Marketers Association of America, NATSO (representing travel plaza and truck stop owners and operators), the Coalition of E85 Retailers, and American Petroleum Institute.

Hooley sits on the House Science and Technology Committee which has jurisdiction over federal energy research and development and which worked to expeditiously move this legislation forward to the full House for today’s vote.  The bill is now expected to head to the Senate for further action.