USDOT grants $766K for rail-based biofuels

In Washington, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced two research grants totaling $766,562 intended to advance the use of bio-based fuels and lubricants. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded $395,189 to North Carolina State University to continue its research into the use of biofuels for freight and passenger rail operations, which will result in a possible recommendation of a “premium” biofuel blend for locomotive engines.

In addition, the National Ag-based Lubricant Center at the University of Northern Iowa received $371,373 to study the feasibility of using readily biodegradable soy-based lubricants by freight and passenger railroads.

More on the story.