FY 2010 Railroad System Issues Research & Development Program - Locomotive Biofuel Study and Bio-based Lubrication Technologies for Railroad Applications

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This funding opportunity are for two separate grants that will research biofuels and bio-based lubricants for locomotive application. Title IV, Section 404 of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act, 2008 (Division B of Public Law 110-432) authorized the FRA, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to conduct a ?Locomotive Biofuel Study.? This study will focus on determining the extent to which freight railroads, Amtrak, and other passenger rail operators could use biofuel blends to power locomotives and other vehicles that can operate on diesel fuel, as appropriate. Additionally, Section 405 of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act, 2008 (Division B of Public Law 110-432) authorized the FRA to conduct a ?Study of the Use of Bio-based Technologies.? The study will focus on the feasibility of using readily biodegradable lubricants for freight and passenger railroad locomotives, rolling stock, or other equipment.

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