Congressman Salazar Sponsors Renewable Energy Legislation

Bill Boosts Cellulosic Ethanol Research

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John Salazar (CO-3) has introduced legislation to promote the production of cellulosic ethanol, a fuel source that would promote renewable-energy development in Colorado.

Cellulosic ethanol is produced from a diversity of materials including waste from urban, agricultural, and forestry sources.  Compared to gasoline, this type of ethanol generates very little toxic gas emissions. 

“Colorado can lead the nation in renewable energy,” Rep. Salazar said. “Agriculture is our backbone. From sun to wind to land, Colorado has all the resources we need to lead the nation in renewable energy creation. There is no reason that our state and country should continue to depend on oil as its primary source of energy.”

Salazar’s Cellulosic Ethanol Development and Implementation Act of 2007 creates two $1 billion programs for research and implementation.  Each program would be funded for $1 billion total over the fiscal years 2007-2013.

The first $1 billion would fund research and development grants for cellulosic ethanol fuel for motor vehicles.  Colleges, federal and state research labs, nonprofits and private industry or partnerships between any of these groups would be able to compete for the grants.  Recipients would have to provide matching funds in the amount of 20 percent of the total amount of the grant.

The second $1 billion would create a pilot program for the installation of E85 at gasoline stations. E85 is a fuel mixture that contains 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Recipients would have to provide matching funds in the amount of 20 percent of the total amount of the grant.

This legislation also extends funding for the cellulosic grant program in the 2005 Energy Bill, which has authorized $250 million for fiscal year 2006.  Salazar’s bill would increase funding for the grant program by $400 million annually over the fiscal years 2007-2010.

H.R. 395 is a companion bill to S.167 sponsored by U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-California).