Representative Lipinski Votes to Make Alternative Fuels More Affordable and Accessible

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Dan Lipinski voted for H.R. 547, the Advanced Fuels Infrastructure Research and Development Act, a bill designed to make biofuels, such as E85 ethanol, easier to access and use.  The bipartisan bill passed the House by a vote of 400 to 3.

"Providing consumers with diverse fuel choices is important for our economy and our environment," Lipinski said.  "As Vice Chair of the House Science and Technology Committee, I enthusiastically support this bill which will provide more fuel choices for consumers in the smartest, most affordable ways possible."

H.R. 547 initiates a research and development program to make biofuels more compatible with present-day infrastructure.  Many biofuels have different physical and chemical properties that make them incompatible with existing petroleum-based infrastructure.  As a result, tank and pipeline corrosion, sediment buildup, and clogged filters are among the issues that can arise.  The bill promotes research and development of new technologies that would allow retailers to offer biofuels using existing infrastructure, rather than refurbishing or building new infrastructure.

"This bill saves fuel distributors and retailers from the extremely high costs of updating infrastructure and ensures that we'll be ready to handle these new fuels as they're integrated into the marketplace," said Lipinski.  "It is a win-win situation for Illinois and I am proud to see this critical piece of legislation overwhelmingly pass the House."