Bradley Supports The Development And Use Of Alternative Fuels

BRADLEY SUPPORTS THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF ALTERNATIVE FUELS
Attends opening of new biodiesel fueling station in Durham

(Durham, NH) - First District Congressman Jeb Bradley reiterated his strong support for the use of alternative fuels at the opening of the new state biodiesel fueling station in Durham today. Bradley was on hand for the unveiling of one of the New Hampshire Department of Transportation's (DOT) fuel tanks at its Durham fueling depot, which runs on a 20 percent blend of biodiesel, a domestic, renewable fuel derived from natural oils that burns cleaner than regular diesel. The N.H. DOT and the University of New Hampshire will be using the biodiesel fuel in many of their diesel vehicles, and the fuel will also be available for use by local municipalities and school districts.

"I am thrilled to attend the opening of the new biodiesel fuel station in Durham, the first of its kind in the state. This is a positive step forward in promoting the development of cleaner fuels in New Hampshire," said Bradley, who is also the proud owner of a Ford Escape hybrid SUV. "At a time when the price of a gallon of gasoline is nearly $3 in New Hampshire, it is important that we support programs that encourage and promote the use of alternative fuels and vehicles."

As a Member of Congress, Bradley has been a strong supporter of the development and usage of fuel-efficient cars. He is the cosponsor of H.R. 4409, the Fuel Choices for American Security Act, which would increase tax credits for fuel-efficient cars and the research and development of hydrogen and electric cars.

Bradley has also introduced legislation in the House that would permanently repeal the 2.5 percent tariff and the 54 cents-per-gallon duty on imported ethanol into the United States. The increased use of ethanol as an additive to gasoline, combined with requirements increasing the use of biofuels, has put stress on the domestic ethanol supply and is one of the contributing factors to today's high gasoline prices.

In May, Bradley spoke on the House floor against a provision in the fiscal year 2007 Energy and Water Appropriations bill that would have earmarked $8 million of the $10 million allotted to the Clean Cities Program for E85 ethanol infrastructure, instead of dispersing the funds through the traditional competitive grant program. The Granite State Clean Cities Coalition is a member of the Clean Cities Program and supports the advancement of alternative fuels in New Hampshire.

"While I support the development of new E85 stations, the Clean Cities Program has always been fuel-neutral, awarding funds through a competitive process based on merit. Allocating 80 percent of the program's funds to only one type of alternative fuel alters the competitive intent of the program. We need to encourage the development of a wide range of alternative fuels, not just one type," Bradley stated.

http://www.house.gov/bradley/20060802_main.html