DOE gets $175 million for wood waste-to-biofuels program to reduce forest fire risk; automakers get $25 million in loans for high-mileage, low-emission cars

In Washington, President Bush signed a continuing resolution bill — designed to provide operational funds for the government — which included up to $25 billion in loans to automakers and suppliers of auto parts. The loans were initially authorized under the EISA Act last December, and support the manufacture of cars and light trucks that exceed existing Corporate Averaged Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards by a minimum of 25 percent, and meet stricter emissions standards.

In addition, the DOE office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy received $175 million for a program that collects hazardous wood waste on state and private lands for biofuels production purposes, while reducing fire hazard.

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