Edited on Thu Feb-21-08 06:25 AM by Aviation Pro
Recently passed bill with an amendment by Senator Obama:
S.Amdt.808 to H.R.6 - To establish a program to develop Fischer-Tropsch transportation fuels from Illinois basin coal.
F-T is a process that has been around since the 1920s. The process is essential to convert coal and cellulose based biomass into fuel. However, as a stand alone it consumes more energy and is harmful to the environment. Currently, DARPA is working on a more exciting fuel alternative converting aquatic-based biomass (algae) into fuel through a combination of F-T and gassification processes. There is less biomass used (the base for algal growth is sewer sludge) and a one-for-one return of carbon (algae uses the equivalent CO2 produced through the burn off).
If the intent is to be independent from foreign oil and be more green then this is the strategy that should be used.
Kudos to FrenchieCat for posting the amendment.
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