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In July, Congressman Steny Hoyer (R-IN), Congressman John Dingell (D-MI), and others introduced the PROGRESS bill. The bill calls for a major national effort to make substantial gains in technology, conservation and vehicle efficiency, and the use of alternative fuels.
Specifically, the bill includes the following key elements:
- Establish a National Energy Security Commission - The commision would bring together government, industry and academic leaders to develop consensus national goals that respect regional energy solutions. The Commission would develop recommendations to Congress that would have to be acted upon under exedited rules.
- Establish a New Manhattan Center for High Efficiency Vehicles - This proposal would establish an advanced vehicle efficiency consortium and double the federal commitment to alternative fuels and vehicle technology programs in the federal government.
- Establish a National Biofuels Infrastructure Developent Program - This grant program would reimburse private sector partners to share the costs of investing in the wholesale and retail biofuel pumps, tanks and related distribution equipment. The program would also leverage matching grants from state and local governments designed to encorage the spread of alternative fuels.
- Promote Transit Use and Development of a Rail Infrastructure Program - To get biofuels to market and secure an affordable and reliable energy supply, this legislation calls for a stimulus package of infrastructure investment that upgrades the "pipeline" for biofuels - the freight rail system. It also provides grants to promote conservation alternatives such as public transit and commuter rail.
- Ensure Federal Government Leadership in the Use of Alternatives to Oil - The bill would increase the use of alternative fuels in federal fleets, spread pilot biofuel plants around the country and speed development of national standards to allow industry to build toward the same targets.
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