 |
| E85 Amendment for Energy Independence Progressing in House |
May 18, 2006 |
| |
Wilson Cosigned Letter Calling for More Development of Ethanol Infrastructure
Washington – Congresswoman Heather Wilson, who called for development of E85 fueling infrastructure, today welcomed progress in the House for an amendment that encourages infrastructure development to increase the practical use of E85 as fuel in the United States.
E85 is an alternative fuel, already developed, comprised of up to 85 percent ethanol (an alcohol derived from corn, sugar cane or potentially other crops) and 15 percent gasoline. Wilson and 51 other members of the U.S. House of Representatives signed a letter urging more development of E85 fueling infrastructure. An amendment accepted this week in the House Appropriations Committee adds $8 million for fiscal year 2007 for this development.
“America needs to be more energy independent,” Wilson said. “E85 is already a primary fuel source in Brazil, and as a result Brazil is largely independent of the need for foreign oil.”
Flex fuel vehicles run on either gasoline or E85. Widespread use of E85 in the U.S. remains limited because of the lack of infrastructure nationally to get the product to consumers.
On May 10, 2006, Wilson also supported the H-Prize Act (H.R. 5143), which the House passed 416-6, to create a new incentive for the development of hydrogen fuel – another source which shows great promise as an alternative energy source.
That bill establishes a prize competition to develop hydrogen energy as a practical alternative to fossil fuel. The H-prize is modeled on previous successful science competitions, including the Ansari X Prize, which led to the first privately funded suborbital human spaceflight last year.
It encourages increased collaboration between the businesses, science, and educational sectors. It supports the creativity of American research to develop an alternative fuel. The legislation authorizes $11 million in annual appropriations.
- END - |
|
|
|