Representative Ike Skelton

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Lara Battles or
Tuesday, May 24, 2005	Whitney Frost (202)225-2875

SKELTON: HOUSE BILL PROMOTES DoD's USE OF ALTERNATIVE FUELS

Washington, DC – Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) applauded the inclusion of report language in the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization Act that promotes the use of alternative fuels by the Department of Defense.

“I have long advocated the use of alternative fuels, such as bio-diesel and ethanol, both as a way to add value to products produced by farmers and as a way to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil. I am encouraged by the fact that the Pentagon has already taken some steps to adopt alternative fuels, but I wanted this language in the defense bill to make clear to the Defense Department that Congress supports research and development and the increased use of alternative fuels,” said Skelton.

H.R. 1815, the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization bill, is scheduled for consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday. The report language, available on page 230 of House Report 109-89, is as follows:

“Alternative fuels

The committee understands alternative fuels are comprised solely or partially from sources other than fossil fuel and notes the benefit of alternative fuels as a possible means for reducing reliance upon foreign oil reserves.

Bio-diesel and ethanol, fuel products made of soybeans and corn, respectively, meet existing federal guidelines that facilitate increased consumption of alternative fuels. The committee notes that officials in the Department of the Army and the Department of Defense have taken steps towards greater alternative fuel use, including the purchase of alternative fueled vehicles.

The committee urges further research and development in the area of alternative fuels and expects the Department of Defense to continue its efforts to make greater use of such products and to increase the number of alternative fueled vehicles.”

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Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) serves as Ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee. For further information, please contact Lara Battles or Whitney Frost at (202)225-2876, or check Congressman Skelton's web site at http://www.house.gov/skelton.