I am pleased to offer this amendment, which was included in the original committee print circulated two weeks ago, which would add B-20 Biodiesel blend (20 percent biodiesel by volume) to the list of alternative fuels under the CAFE program.

I intend to ask unanimous consent to withdraw this amendment, as it is not germane to the underlying committee print.

Reliance on foreign energy sources undermines our economy and our national security. Home-grown fuels, such as biodiesel, can help move the United States towards greater energy independence.

Despite the energy security and clean air benefits, biodiesel-capable cars and trucks have been slow to hit the market, mainly because of concerns by original equipment manufacturers for automobiles and engines. Although manufacturers are comfortable with B5, most will not certify automobiles to run on B20.

This provision tries to incentivize B20-capable passenger automobiles by making B20 eligible for the alternative fuel credit under the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Program.

Alternative fuels receive an additional CAFE credit because they help to reduce the use of petroleum fuels or provide a clean air benefit. Biodiesel does both.

An October 2005 EPA study shows diesel vehicle fuel economy improvements of 33 - 40% and lifecycle carbon dioxide savings of 16 - 20% compared to gasoline vehicles. In addition, for every unit of diesel fuel which is replaced by biodiesel (B20), the total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions that would have been produced from that unit of diesel fuel would be reduced by 13 %.

As I mentioned in my opening statement, I am still having trouble understanding how an energy bill that seeks to reduce our reliance on foreign energy does not address alternative fuels and the alternative fueled vehicles.

With that, Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw this amendment and hope that it might be included in future energy legislation that moves through this committee.