The Open Fuel Standard is not the only piece of fuel legislation that has been proposed recently. On May 27, 2011, the Propane Green Autogas Solutions Act was introduced to the House of Representatives and Senate by House Republican Conference Secretary Representative John Carter (R-TX) along with Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD). The bill aims to extend existing propane autogas tax credits through 2016 for the purchase of propane-powered vehicles as well as to the refueling infrastructure and fuel itself.

Other legislators sponsoring the Propane GAS Act include Representatives Dan Boren (D-OK) and Mike Rogers (R-AL), as well as Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).

“Providing more incentives for vehicles using propane autogas can play a key role in infusing competition into the U.S. transportation fuel market, stimulating job growth and reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil,” said U.S. Congressman John Carter (R-TX). “Propane is a proven and cleaner-burning alternative fuel. This bill puts into motion the necessary steps to help solidify a place for propane autogas on the nation’s menu of fuels that insures a more cost-effective, domestically produced fuel option exists for American drivers.”

According to organizations such as CleanFUEL USA, propane autogas is the most widely used alternative fuel in the world and the third most used fuel after gasoline and diesel. Today, it is primarily used in the transportation sector in fleet vehicles. More than 90 percent of the propane used in the states is produced in North America and a national infrastructure is already in place.

Curtis Donaldson, founder and CEO of CleanFUEL USA said of the proposed bill, “Our nation’s supply and demand issues for transportation fuel is teetering on a tipping point of no return – one where all viable options should be on the table. Propane autogas is the ‘right here, right now’ fuel, and we applaud Congressman Carter in initiating the Propane GAS Act. As a U.S. Representative for Texas (a global leader in the energy industry), Carter truly understands both the needs and opportunities to diversify our energy mix and his efforts on this bill is a clear indication of that.”