WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Edolphus “Ed” Towns (NY-10) today announced that the U.S. House of Representatives approved nearly $1 million for new biofuel research initiatives at Brooklyn College.  The funding, which is part of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Biomass and Biorefinery Systems Research and Development Program, was included in the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010, which passed the House last month.

“This important Federal funding will give Brooklyn College scientists the tools and resources necessary to conduct cutting edge research into new sources of biofuels,” said Rep. Towns.  “If we are serious about reducing our dependence on foreign oil, we must commit adequate resources to find new sources of clean, reliable energy, and make investments in new technologies that reduce greenhouse gasses and contribute to the creation of alternative fuels.”

The $900,000 secured by Rep. Towns will be used to invest in research and development of biofuels and fuel processing methods.  Once the technology is developed, it will help reduce hazardous materials and waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the creation of alternative fuels.  In addition, the funding will be used to purchase equipment that helps Brooklyn College scientists explore new and improved refining methods.  The biofuel program complements ongoing pollution prevention research by the Air Force, the Petroleum Research Fund, and the Department of Energy.

Brooklyn College President Christopher Kimmich thanked Rep. Towns for his work to secure federal assistance for pollution prevention research at the university.

“We’d like to thank Congressman Towns for his consistent support of Brooklyn College,” said President Kimmich.  “We are very grateful for his leadership and advocacy of this project that will help find alternative sources of energy for our country.”

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