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WASHINGTON, D.C –July 17, 2007 – The United States House of Representatives approved a measure to designate $1,000,000 for the Biofuels Research Laboratory at the University of Kentucky, U.S. Representative Ron Lewis announced Tuesday. Funds were included as part of the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (H.R. 2641).
“Alternative fuel research and development will help our country reduce its dependence on unstable foreign oil markets, strengthening our economic future and national security,” said Lewis. “I am excited about the role that the University of Kentucky can play to enhance biofuel production in the Second Congressional District and across the state.”
Federal funds will allow the University to purchase equipment to work directly with agricultural and energy producers across the Commonwealth to develop improved processes for biomass utilization and the development of low-cost, high capacity processes for the conversion of biomass into fuels and chemicals.
"We're excited by the opportunity to apply the expertise of the UK Center for Applied Energy Research and the College of Agriculture to advance the science of bio-fuels research,” said University of Kentucky President Lee T. Todd Jr. “The knowledge that emerges from this laboratory will help our nation address the goal of achieving greater independence from foreign fuel sources, while creating a new industry in Kentucky that generates new jobs and builds a greater prosperity for our state and its residents."
“The establishment of an open access laboratory would be of benefit to biofuel companies in the Commonwealth, and is a necessary step if Kentucky is to become a leader in bioenergy,” said Owensboro Grain Co. Vice President John Wright.
Tuesday’s action by the House is first step in the appropriations process. The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Actwill be considered in the U.S. Senate and by a joint Conference Committee before being sent to the President to be signed into law later this year.
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