Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

WASHINGTON – An amendment introduced today by Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) and Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) will promote cleaner air by specifically directing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop strategies to minimize the effects of emissions from ethanol blended fuels.  The amendment was attached to The Advanced Fuels Infrastructure Research and Development Act (HR 547), a bill designed to promote energy independence by developing technologies to make biofuels more compatible with current transportation and storage infrastructure.

The Cardoza/Eshoo Amendment passed with bipartisan support,  242-185.  HR 547 passed the House 400 to 3.

“I take our air quality problems very seriously for my constituents and for my family,” said Cardoza. “Both EPA and the California Air Resources Board have studies showing increased rates of volatile emissions from ethanol blended fuels in tanks and pipelines.”

“I strongly believe biofuels will move us closer to the goal of energy independence.  With proper research and development, I have no doubt that we can overcome any obstacles that may be presented in the development of this industry.”

·        The state of California is required by law to closely monitor each and every pollution source and mitigate its impact. This amendment will add minimizing emissions to the extensive list of areas EPA can research to encourage the development of the biofuels market under H.R. 547. These strategies are vitally important for states like California to fully realize the promise of alternative fuels.

·        Volatile compound emissions (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids and may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.  Both EPA and the California Air Resources Board have studies showing increased rates of VOC emissions from ethanol blended fuels in fuel tanks and pipelines. 

·        The Central Valley is currently labeled as “severe nonattainment” for both ozone pollution and particulate matter.  Children in the Central Valley have one of the highest rates of asthma in the country and our elderly are often forced to stay indoors during the summer months. 

Facts on HR 547 and the Cardoza/Eshoo Amendment 

H.R. 547 - Advanced Fuels Infrastructure Research and Development Act

Sponsor: Science Committee Chairman Bart Gordon

Purpose:  To facilitate the development of markets for biofuels and Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel through research and development, including data collection and demonstration of research and development results.

                                                           Major Provisions:

·      Authorizes $10 million for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to research and develop fuel additives and other technologies aimed at making biofuels more compatible with the current infrastructure for transportation and storage of petroleum-based fuels.   

·      Directs these agencies to develop more portable, affordable, and accurate methods for testing the amount of sulfur in diesel fuel.

·      Instructs NIST to compile data on the physical properties for various biofuels and use that information to develop Standard Reference Materials comparable to those currently in use for petroleum-based fuels.  

ESHOO/CARDOZA AMENDMENT

Amendment Text:

Page 4, after line 17, insert the following new paragraph:

(3) strategies to minimize emissions from infrastructure; and