An amendment written by Representatives Eliot Engel of New York and John Shimkus of Illinois has been adopted as part of the FY 2012 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. The amendment codifies a Presidential Memorandum and requires all new light duty vehicles in the federal fleet to be alternate fuel vehicles, such as hybrid, electric, natural gas, or biofuel, by December 31, 2015.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen says – putting more Americans behind the wheel of flexible fuel vehicles is essential to breaking the near monopoly oil interests have over our nation’s fuel supply. Together with blender pumps offering a range of ethanol blends, more Flex Fuel Vehicles on the road would put consumers in the driver’s seat when it comes to the nation’s energy future.

RFA says ethanol remains the only proven, widely available alternative to gasoline today and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Similar legislation has been offered in the Senate by Senators Tom Harkin and Richard Lugar.