[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 134 (Wednesday, October 1, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H8267]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            SUPPORT THE ENERGY POLICY ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1997

  (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask support from my 
colleagues for legislation I introduced with the gentlewoman from New 
York [Mrs. McCarthy] to classify biodiesel and its blended versions as 
an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
  Biodiesel is a renewable alternative fuel for diesel engines derived 
from soybeans. The production, sale, and use of biodiesel is good for 
the environment, good for family farmers, and good for the economy. 
Biodiesel runs cleaner than regular diesel fuel, which means that fewer 
emissions, such as particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and carbon 
monoxide, are released into the environment. Meanwhile, soybean farmers 
are given a new market in which to sell their product, which helps them 
and the economy.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation does not create a tax credit, a tax 
incentive, or a Federal mandate. In fact, it costs the taxpayers 
nothing. This bill gives fleet managers the option to use biodiesel in 
heavy-duty fleet vehicles, such as city buses, boats, and trucks, in 
order to comply with the Federal mandates of the Energy Policy Act of 
1992.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Energy Policy Act 
amendments of 1997.




                          ____________________