(March 2, 2010) Washington - Congress must ensure fuels research programs are fully funded to provide the necessary scientific basis for increasing ethanol blending, according to a letter to congressional leaders from the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA).

Writing to the Chairs and Ranking Members of both the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Energy and Water Development, RFA President Bob Dinneen outlined concerns with the budget submitted by President Obama with respect to higher level ethanol testing. Specifically, Dinneen called on Congress to support full funding of the Biomass and Biorefinery Systems program’s Utilization of Platform Outputs R&D subprogram as well as funding for the Vehicle Technologies program’s Fuels Technology subprogram. The President’s budget zeroed out and cut funding by $13 million, respectively.

“Continued testing of mid-level ethanol blends and E-85 is absolutely critical if ethanol is to overcome the blend wall that is today limiting market opportunities, and if the statutory obligations for renewable fuel use established by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 are to be met,” wrote Dinneen. “As a result, we strongly encourage you to support increased funding for the Vehicle Technologies and Biomass and Biorefinery Systems R&D programs of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.”

The RFA is calling for the full $24 million for the Vehicle Technologies program’s Fuels Technology subprogram and for an additional $5 million appropriation for the Biomass and Biorefinery Systems R&D subprograms.

“President Obama recently reaffirmed his commitment to both current ethanol technologies and next generation opportunities in his biofuels plan released in February,” said Dinneen. “Congress should take this opportunity to ensure these critical fuel research programs are fully funded and to allow America’s ethanol industry to reach its full potential to displace petroleum use in motor vehicles.”

A copy of the letter is available here.