Del.icio.us  Digg  facebook  MySpace  Twitter  Google  Bookmark Me  LinkedIn  StumbleUpon  Permalink

Budget Resolution Amendment Calls for More Energy Funding

An amendment introduced to the Budget Resolution Tuesday would fund energy bill initiatives promoting cellulosic ethanol and biomass research and development.

Specifically, the amendment will:

• Fully fund many of the energy authorizations in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 by adding $3.5 billion,

• Add an additional $500 million in FY 2007 for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program,

• Provide $250 million to include production incentives for cellulosic ethanol,

• Include over $200 million for the Biomass Research and Development Act to commercialize cellulosic ethanol, green chemicals and electricity from biomass.

• Extend the Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit and the companion Clean Renewable Energy Bonds program for four years.  Currently, it will sunset on December 31, 2011.

• Promote weatherization and energy efficient practices in state energy programs and buildings.