The United States Senate has passed legislation authored by U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) to promote research and development of methane hydrates as an energy resource. The Methane Hydrate Research and Development Act(S. 330/H.R. 1753) would establish a research and development program at the Department of Energy to assess and develop methane hydrates as an energy source. The Senate passed the Akaka bill (S. 330) on April 19, 1999. The House passed a similar bill in October, 1999. The bill being forwarded to the President contains an agreement between the House and the Senate on the final text of the measure.

Methane hydrate is a methane-bearing, ice-like substance. It is stable at moderately high pressures and low temperatures and contains large quantities of methane. One unit volume of methane hydrate contains over 160 volumes of methane at standard temperature and pressure. Methane hydrates are found in deep ocean sediments and northern permafrost. An enormous amount of methane is sequestered in gas hydrates. Scientists estimate there is twice as much carbon in methane hydrate than all other fossil fuels, including coal. By any measure, this is a staggering resource.

Natural gas will grow in importance as demand for clean burning fuel increases. Also, as we move to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, natural gas will become an even more strategic fuel source because its emissions contain significantly less carbon dioxide than other fossil fuels. Methane hydrates contain a near endless supply of natural gas.

"We are falling behind the competition in the race to understand and capitalize on this energy source," Senator Akaka said. "As our nation's energy resources dwindle and our reliance on imported energy increases, we cannot afford to miss this important opportunity. The recent spike in gasoline prices highlights the need for increased emphasis on research and development of new energy resources and greater energy self-sufficiency.

"The research authorized by this legislation is long overdue. We will answer many profound questions about the conditions under which methane hydrates form and are released. This will provide insights into biochemical processes that occur in ocean sediments, sea floor stability, and the implications of this large carbon resource on global climate change."