Representative Ike Skelton

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Lara Battles or
Thursday, May 25, 2006	Whitney Frost (202)225-2876

SKELTON WORKS TO SECURE E-85 PUMP ON CAPITOL HILL

Washington, DC – Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) is working to promote the use of E-85 Ethanol Fuel on Capitol Hill. This week, the House Appropriations Committee approved bill language sponsored by Skelton and House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) which calls for the installation of an E-85 pump for the use of official House of Representatives vehicles. E-85 is a form of transportation fuel consisting of 85 percent renewable ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

“Our future energy security depends upon our willingness to reduce oil consumption and adopt the use of alternative fuels. Many of the vehicles owned or leased by the U.S. House of Representatives are built to use E-85 Ethanol Fuel, but there are few pumps nearby to make E-85 practical for everyday use. It only makes sense to install a pump on Capitol Hill so that House vehicles can use this clean fuel,” said Skelton.

“I am so pleased that I was able to work with my friend, Congressman Steny Hoyer, on this project, and I am very grateful to our colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee for including funds for the E-85 pump in the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill.” said Skelton.

The House Appropriations Committee approved its version of the Fiscal Year 2007 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill on Thursday, May 25, 2006. The bill is expected to be considered by the House of Representatives in the coming weeks.

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Attachment: Report Language on E-85 Ethanol Fuel Pump, FY 2007 Legislative Branch Appropriations

E-85 Ethanol Fuel.-The Committee believes that the federal government should lead by example with regard to compliance with federal energy laws and the use of alternative fuels in flex-fueled vehicles. An increasing number of vehicles leased and operated for Legislative Branch purposes are capable of operating on E-85 Ethanol Fuel, yet there are few commercial or government fueling stations within a close proximity with such fuel. Accordingly, the Committee directs the Architect of the Capitol to complete a study on the feasibility of installing an E-85 tank, pump and related infrastructure for the use of official House of Representative vehicles, within six months of enactment of this Act. It is the Committee’s intent that the installation of such equipment should commence within nine months of enactment of this Act.

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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.