LOCOMOTIVE BIOFUEL STUDY.

SEC. 404. LOCOMOTIVE BIOFUEL STUDY.(a) In General.—The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall conduct a study to determine 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.(b) Definition.—In this section, the term “biofuel” has the meaning given such term by section 9001 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8101).(c) Factors.—In conducting the study, the Secretary shall consider—(1) the energy intensity of various biofuel blends compared to diesel fuel;(2) environmental and energy effects of using various biofuel blends compared to diesel fuel, including emission effects;(3) the cost of purchasing biofuel blends;(4) whether sufficient biofuel is readily available;(5) any public benefits derived from the use of such fuels; and(6) the effect of biofuel use on locomotive and other vehicle performance and warranty specifications.(d) Locomotive Testing.—As part of the study, the Secretary shall test locomotive engine performance and emissions using blends 122 STAT. 4958 of biofuel and diesel fuel in order to recommend premium locomotive biofuel blends.(e) Report.—Within 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue the results of this study to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.