For Release: Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

HOUSE PASSES FINAL ENERGY BILL, COSTELLO CLEAN COAL PROVISIONS INCLUDED

Washington - The House of Representatives passed the final version of national energy policy legislation today. The bill includes language authored by U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) authorizing $1.8 billion for research and demonstration projects in advanced clean coal technologies with the goal of reaching emission levels comparable with natural gas. The bill would increase the coal research and development budget by close to 5% annually, totaling 1.4 billion over five years. The Senate will next consider the legislation.

"These coal research provisions are critical to our nation's ability to maintain abundant, reliable and environmentally sound energy sources," said Costello. "Coal accounts for over one half of all electricity production in the U.S. It must and will remain an integral part of our national energy plan."

The bill also includes "Centers of Excellence for Energy Systems of the Future" at universities with a proven record of demonstrating clean coal technologies, such as Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). Costello authored this provision that could devote millions of dollars to SIUC for coal research.

Other provisions of the bill are also good for Illinois. The renewable fuel requirement would more than double, resulting in more ethanol production and helping farm families. Illinois currently accounts for almost 30% of ethanol production in the U.S. The new standard would call for 3.7 billion gallons of ethanol to be produced annually beginning in 2005, rising to 5 billion gallons in 2012.

The bill also contains a tax credit for bio-diesel production, which is fuel made from soybeans, as well as tax incentives to install the most advanced clean coal technology at new and existing power plants. Overall, the energy bill is estimated to create or maintain over 146,500 jobs in the State of Illinois.

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