Recent Press Releases

Washington, D.C. —  Senator John Thune today emphasized his support for the Open Fuel Standard Act (S. 835), which would significantly increase the number of flex fuel vehicles produced by U.S. auto manufacturers. Senator Thune is an original cosponsor of the bipartisan bill.

"Flex fuel vehicles can create jobs in both the automobile and biofuel industries," said Thune. "Flex fuel vehicles also reduce our dependence on imported oil, which increases our national security. I believe that this legislation is important for moving forward with the next generation of clean, renewable biofuels, and I encourage my colleagues to support it."

The Open Fuel Standard Act would require U.S. auto manufacturers to make 50 percent of new vehicles either flex fuel or biodiesel certified by 2012, and 80 percent of new vehicles flex fuel or biodiesel certified by 2015. Flex fuel vehicles can run on 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline (E85).

Senator Thune is joined in introducing the legislation by Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Joe Lieberman (ID-CT), and Susan Collins (R-ME).