Walberg Introduces "Energy Independence Through Bio-Diesel Act"

Press Release

WALBERG INTRODUCES "ENERGY INDEPENDENCE THROUGH BIO-DIESEL ACT"

U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) today introduced legislation in the House that would create a 2% national standard for bio-diesel.

Walberg issued the following statement about the legislation, the Energy Independence through Bio-Diesel Act (see attached document).

"As I meet with the men and women of south-central Michigan, they continue to stress to me the importance of diversifying our nation's energy portfolio and advancing cleaner burning, home-grown, renewable alternative energy sources.

"One of our greatest national liabilities is our overwhelming dependence on Middle Eastern oil. The Energy Independence through Bio-Diesel Act will continue the process of moving our country towards energy independence.

"Creating a national standard for bio-diesel will encourage the technology and economies of scale necessary to make America the leader in renewable sources of energy.

"This bill would create a 2% standard for bio-diesel and amend the Clean Air Act to require that within five years all diesel fuel sold contains a 2% industry average.

"This standard will help spur the necessary investments in facilities and technological advancements needed in this alternative fuel industry."

BACKGROUND:
- Congressman Walberg is a member of the House Agriculture Committee and the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus

- 55 billion gallons of diesel were consumed in 2005

- A 2% standard would create a 1.1 billion gallon market for clean-burning, home-grown, bio-diesel

- This legislation will amend the Clean Air Act to require, after 5 years all diesel fuel sold, on an average annual basis, contain 2% bio-diesel (this would be an industry-wide average, not a per-gallon basis)

- Bio-diesel has higher oxygen content, is cleaner burning and has high energy content

- Bio-diesel is non-corrosive and has higher lubricity then regular diesel

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