Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., has introduced a bill that would encourage the production of alternative-fuel vehicles by phasing in a tax penalty on the manufacture or import of new, non-flexible-fuel cars, light trucks and sport utility vehicles.

"My bill would be a step to help combat climate change and promote energy independence by encouraging the development and distribution of alternatively fueled vehicles," Lofgren said July 28 as she introduced House Resolution 5959.

Any revenues generated by the tax would be used to help independent gas station owners install alternative-fuel equipment. Since the cost of producing flex-fuel vehicles is minimal, the tax penalties could easily be avoided and serve as an incentive to move the alternative energy technology forward, according to Lofgren´s office. Flex-fuel vehicles can run on either 100 percent gasoline or a mixture containing as much as 85 percent ethanol. Vehicles burning an 85 percent ethanol blend release fewer emissions, including greenhouse gases.

"Curently, there are only 6 million flex-fuel-capable cars on the road and only about 500 fueling stations that provide alternative fuel across the country -- with just four stations in California," Lofgren said. "We must do more to make flex-fuel vehicles practical and accessible to everyone."

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