Senator John Thune (R-SD) and Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO) this week introduced bi-partisan legislation designed to increase the availability of alternative fuels at the pump.

According to Sen. Thune’s press office, the Alternative Energy Refueling Systems Act would provide for increased energy security for Americans by providing incentives for gas station owners across the country to install alternative fuel tanks, giving consumers greater opportunities to opt for cleaner, more environment-friendly fuels such as E-85, compressed natural gas, or bio-diesel, in an effort to reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil.

This bipartisan legislation would provide gas station owners with grants for 30 percent of the costs (not to exceed $30,000) for the replacement of a petroleum tank, or the addition of an alternative fuel tank.

American Coalition for Ethanol Executive Vice President Brian Jennings praised the legislation, saying it would help the U.S. take great strides forward in making alternative fuels like E85 available to motorists. “Expanding infrastructure is of paramount importance to expanding the use of homegrown alternatives to oil,” said Jennings. “This legislation recognizes that infrastructure hurdles stand in the way to the widespread use of E85 and provides an important shot in the arm to help develop that critical infrastructure.”