On June 1st, Rep. Rick Boucher (D-VA) released a new title to an upcoming energy package that he is assembling. Title I addresses fuels and require the Environmental Protection Agency to establish minimum volumes of alternative fuels that will make up the overall mix of fuel sold in the U.S., beginning in 2013. By 2025, alternative fuels must supply 35 billion gallons of the fuel used each year in the U.S. Alternative fuels will include renewable fuel, alcohol based fuels, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen, coal-to-liquid (CTL) (with carbon-capture) and electricity. Title I also include energy efficiency provisions.
Other titles for this legislation were released recently. Title II focuses on appliance efficiency standards, including a provision to review appliance testing procedures every seven years. Title III addresses smart grids, including an assessment of the electrical grid and funding to assist in the implementation of a Smart Grid. Two other discussion drafts relating to loan guarantees and loans for CTL projects were also recently released. All of these titles are expected to be included in a larger "energy independence" bill which House leadership hopes to bring to the floor for a vote prior to the July 4 recess.