PARKERSBURG - West Virginia's junior senator is partnering with Republicans and introducing a bill to remove restrictions to the development of alternative fuels.
The American Alternative Fuels Act introduced Tuesday by Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and John Barrasso, R-Wyo., repeals parts of the 2007 energy bill restricting the federal government from buying alternative fuels and encourages the development of algae-based fuels and synthetic natural gas.
The bill will reduce energy costs, Manchin said.
"Our unacceptably high gas prices are hurting not only West Virginians, but all Americans, and they underscore a critical need: the federal government needs to be a partner, not an obstacle, for businesses that can transform our domestic energy resources into gas," Manchin said.
The act is co-sponsored by Sens. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., Dan Coats, R-Ind., Mike Enzi. R-Wyo., and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska.
Fact Box
Fuels Act
Repeals Section 526 of the 2007 energy bill which restricts the government from buying alternative fuel.
Creates a reporting requirement for domestic fuel-focused Loan Guarantee Program facing continued delays at the Department of Energy. Increasing transparency in the program will help speed the process by pinpointing the delays in the bureaucratic process.
Promotes algae-based fuel that uses carbon capture and sequestrations.
Clarifies synthetic natural gas production facilities are eligible for the loan guarantee program. Synthetic gas can be produced from coal, biomass, petroleum coke or solid waste.
Allows the Department of Defense to enter into 20-year contracts for alternative fuels.
Requires the Environmental Protection Agency to consider the increased demand and the decreased emissions from electric vehicles in setting performance standards for new electric generation facilities.
