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HR 2619 IH

To direct the Secretary of Transportation to make a grant for the establishment and operation of an ethanol anti-idling power unit research program.

June 7, 2007

Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois (for himself, Mr. SHIMKUS, and Mr. ROSKAM) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science and Technology

To direct the Secretary of Transportation to make a grant for the establishment and operation of an ethanol anti-idling power unit research program.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. ETHANOL ANTI-IDLING POWER UNIT RESEARCH PROGRAM.

(a) In General- The Secretary of Transportation shall make a grant to an eligible grantee to establish and operate an ethanol anti-idling power unit research program described in subsection (b).

(b) Description- An ethanol anti-idling power unit research program for which a grant may be made under this section shall be designed--

(1) to develop an ethanol-powered solid oxide fuel cell power system;

(2) to demonstrate uses of ethanol as a source of energy;

(3) to optimize the use of ethanol fuel cell power systems that are capable of being retrofitted into existing vehicles and incorporated into new vehicle designs;

(4) to facilitate commercial uses of ethanol fuel cell power systems in vehicles, such as long-haul trucks, transit vehicles, and school buses;

(5) to reduce the Nation's dependence on imported transportation fuels, improve environmental quality;

(6) to encourage further development of the domestic ethanol and fuel cell industries;

(7) to develop technology to use ethanol in place of diesel fuel; and

(8) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption currently attributed to idling of commercial vehicles.

(c) Eligible Grantee- In this section, the term `eligible grantee' means a research organization that--

(1) is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code;

(2) has performed energy-related research or energy-related research support activities; and

(3) owns and maintains a state-of-the-art energy research facility.

(d) Applications- The Secretary shall prescribe such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate for the content and structure of an application for a grant under this section.

(e) Reporting Requirements- At least once a year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report on the projects undertaken by an eligible grantee to which a grant is made under this section and the progress made in advancing the purposes of this section.

(f) Authorization of Appropriations- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry our this section $2,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011. Such funds shall remain available until expended.