The Open Fuel Standard Coalition is a bipartisan group in the United States actively working for passage of H.R. 1687, the "Open Fuel Standard Act of 2011." The OFS Coalition views this legislation as the solution to the current energy crisis by the implementing of alternative energy sources into our fuel transportation market sector, thereby breaking our dependence on foreign oil. Specifically, by implementing H.R. 1687, the Open Fuel Standard Act of 2011 all vehicles sold in the US will have to either operate on mixed fuels, containing 85 percent ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, or any other alternative energy source.
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The need for an open fuel standard could not be any clearer as we have seen the rising price of oil in recent years. The continuing unrest and violence in the Middle East has caused dramatic increases in crude oil that remains strongly controlled by OPEC. Our current gasoline consumption from foreign oil is unsustainable for the future. Additionally, our oil addiction is contributing to the financial support of our enemies abroad and unquestionably aiding terrorist organizations. The promise of freeing our dependence on foreign oil has long been stated, but we can no longer kick the can further down the road. Now, both Republicans and Democrats must work together to implement a sensible bipartisan solution to reinvent and revitalize our energy policies. By the end of the 112th session, we hope to quickly move this legislative through congress and enforce the open fuel standard as a policy priority.
Purpose
The open fuel standard will create incentive to promote and invest in the emerging market of ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, and any other alternative fuel. Vehicles with these alternative fuel engines will re-energize our economy and create new jobs here in the U.S. Comparatively, mixed fuels produce less carbon emissions as well as beating the price of oil three to one. The technology and resources are already available for flex-fuel cars, but the availability and access to pumps is scarce. By manufacturing flex-fuel cars, gas stations can create new revenue by adding mixed fuel pumps that offer low cost alternative to gasoline. However, the first step is allowing a demand by opening up the market to producing more flex fuel and alternative fueled cars. Our foreign competitors, including China and Brazil have already successfully implemented similar regulations on auto industries selling cars in their countries resulting in tremendous success and new manufacturing plants in both China and Brazil. The U.S. cannot stay competitive as we fall behind in the investments of alternative energy and auto industries take their business abroad.
Goal
The goal of the OFS coalition is to pass H.R. 1687, the "Open Fuel Standard Act of 2011" in the 112th United States Congress and generate pressures on the administration and federal departments to take further action. The OFS Coalition is assisting in providing information about the open fuel standard in an effort to educate Members of the United States Congress, while successfully engaging with various groups to promote the tactical purposes of the open fuel standard and draw attention and support of key Members of Congress.
A web site has been created by the Open Fuel Standard Coalition to help keep interested parties informed about the Open Fuel Standard Act. The purpose of OpenFuelStandard.org is to provide information to citizens who want to help the Open Fuel Standard Act become law.