Alternative Energy Refueling System Act of 2006

H.R. 5346, the Alternative Energy Refueling System Act of 2006, proposed a federal program to help gas station owners and refueling vendors offset the costs of installing alternative fuel pumps. Under this bill, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would provide reimbursements for up to 30% of the cost (capped at $30,000) for systems that dispense fuels such as E-85 ethanol or compressed natural gas.

For everyday citizens, this legislation aimed to increase the availability of alternative fuels at local stations, making it more convenient for drivers of flexible-fuel or natural gas vehicles to find refueling locations. By using funds from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund, the bill sought to expand the nation’s alternative energy infrastructure without creating new taxes for consumers. Although introduced in 2006, the bill did not advance past the committee stage and never became law.