Committee Passes Stupak Amendment to Expand Federal Government Use of Renewable Fuel

A broad based energy package approved by the U.S. House of Represenatives Energy and Commerce Committee this week included an E85 infrastructure amendment offered by Congressman Bart Stupak (D-MI) and cosponsored by Congressman Jay Insleee (D-WA) and Lee Terry (R-NE). The amendment will require the installation of E85 fueling systems at facilities operated by the U.S. Government. Please read the press release below issued by Rep. Stupak's office today.  The NEVC supported this bi-partisian effort and applauds the efforts of the sponsors and the entire Energy and Commerce Committee.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee this week approved a broad based energy package.  The Committee adopted to the legislation an amendment authored by Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Michigan) that would direct federal agencies to install pumps for renewable fuels like E85 at their fleet fueling centers. 

“I was pleased the Committee accepted my amendment to expand the availability of E85 and renewable fuel pumps at federal government refueling stations,” Stupak said.  “The federal government is the largest energy consumer in our nation and needs to lead by example.  By mandating the expansion of renewable fuel pumps at federal refueling stations, we can ensure federal agencies increase their renewable fuel use and help America move away from its dependence on foreign oil.”

Phillip Lampert, the Executive Director of the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition, praised Congressman Stupak for offering the amendment. “We thank Congressman Stupak for his efforts, insight and acknowledgment of the need to move the federal government’s fleet of vehicles onto E85 and other renewable fuels,” Lampert said.  “Bart Stupak has long been a leader on energy issues, and we thank him for offering this bi-partisan amendment.”

 Executive Orders issued by Presidents Clinton and Bush directed federal agencies to increase their consumption of alternative fuels.  Each year, the Department of Energy issues a progress report on compliance with the Orders. The reports found that while the federal government has invested significantly in purchasing alternative fuel vehicles, the vehicles continue to run on traditional gasoline because most federal refueling centers do not carry renewable fuels. 

“Our nation needs to move towards fuel sources that are grown in the Midwest and stop relying on energy sources that come from the Middle East,” Stupak added.  “Ensuring the federal government’s vehicles use renewable fuels will be a strong start.”

Congressman Jay Inslee, D-WA and Congressman Lee Terry, R-NE were co-sponsors of the Stupak Amendment. A copy of the amendment language can be found by clicking here.

The National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition is the nation’s primary advocate of the use of 85% ethanol as a form of alternative transportation fuel.

Contact Alex Haurek of Rep. Stupak's office at (202) 225-4735 or (202) 374-4779 for more information.

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