Tester, Baucus: Military alternative energy boost nears passage

Measure will increase demand for Montana-made fuels

(U.S. SENATE) – Senators Jon Tester and Max Baucus today released the following statements after the Senate and the House of Representatives removed a provision from a defense authorization bill that would have limited the military’s ability to purchase American-made fuel like camelina:

“Smart investments in home-grown energy sources grow Montana’s economy and increase our energy independence,” Tester said. “Our military’s leadership in alternative energy will strengthen our national security and create jobs here at home.”

“Making sure our military can fuel our forces with American-made energy supports Montana jobs and makes our country safer. Giving our commanders the flexibility to use home-grown fuels is a win-win,” said Baucus.

Last month, Tester and Baucus called on Senate leaders to remove the provision, which would hurt the market for biofuels. Although the Senate voted convincingly to remove the provision, the final bill had to be reconciled with a version from the House of Representatives.

Montana is a national leader in alternative energy production. In each of the last two congresses, Baucus and Tester introduced the “Freedom Fuels” bill to expand the military’s ability to contract for American-made alternative fuels.