Ross worked Wednesday in the Energy and Air Quality Subcommittee to include authorizing language that would allow UAPB to receive $5 million to conduct important research related to the development and use of cellulosic ethanol and biofuels.  While the specific language must still be approved by the full Energy and Commerce Committee and the overall House of Representatives, Ross said that the inclusion of his language was a significant step forward for UAPB and for the development of cellulosic biofuels. 

“This is an exciting opportunity for UAPB to conduct this important research to help cellulosic biofuels develop and thrive in Arkansas,” Ross said.  “UAPB is a leader in research and this is a perfect fit for their curriculum and university.  Cellulosic biofuels hold the potential to give farmers and foresters across the Fourth District exciting new markets, allowing them to produce energy from waste that was never before thought to hold such valuable potential.”

Ross worked to include his language in an amendment offered by Rep. G.K. Butterfield (NC-01), that would fund Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Ross said that such provisions would help allow HBCU’s such as UAPB to play a lead role in conducting research in the development of renewable fuels.

Cellulosic biofuels offer tremendous environmental and economic sustainability advantages. They can be produced from organic residues that are now often a waste management and pollution problem such as agricultural plant wastes from industrial processes, including saw dust and paper pulp, and energy crops grown specifically for fuel production, such as switchgrass.

“Creating alternative and renewable energy from biomass and agricultural wastes can help us lessen our dependence on foreign oil, protect our environment and reduce the price we pay at the pump,” Ross said.

Ross holds a seat on the coveted House Energy and Commerce Committee where this legislation has been referred. The legislation will then be sent to the full U.S. House of Representatives for final passage.

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