[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 33 (Wednesday, February 25, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E410]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             INTRODUCTION OF THE GREEN STREETS ACT OF 2009

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                           HON. RUSS CARNAHAN

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 25, 2009

  Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Green 
Streets Act of 2009. Cities and States across the country are having a 
hard time affording the asphalt needed to repair their crumbling 
streets due to increasing cost of asphalt. This increase in the cost 
has been caused by many refineries forgoing asphalt production to 
instead produce more profitable products. As a result, communities in 
my district and across the country are postponing roadwork until 
transportation departments can better allocate funds without breaking 
their budgets.
  To provide cash strapped cities and States the much need break in 
asphalt costs, I have introduced the Green Streets Act, which would 
promote the research of alternative asphalt binders made from biomass. 
In my home State of Missouri there is a company that is researching the 
use of swine manure to replace petroleum as an asphalt binder.
  Not only could this potentially cut street repair costs for 
communities across the country, but would also reduce our greenhouse 
gas emissions by reducing the amount of biomass left to give off carbon 
dioxide. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Green 
Streets Act of 2009.

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