STUDY OF THE USE OF BIOBASED TECHNOLOGIES.

SEC. 405. STUDY OF THE USE OF BIOBASED TECHNOLOGIES. Within 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report containing the results of a study of the feasibility of using readily biodegradable lubricants for freight and passenger railroad locomotives, rolling stock, or other equipment. The Secretary shall work with an agricultural-based lubricant testing facility or facilities to complete this study. The study shall include—(1) an analysis of the potential use of soy-based grease and soy-based hydraulic fluids to perform according to railroad industry standards;(2) an analysis of the potential use of other readily biodegradable lubricants to perform according to railroad industry standards;(3) a comparison of the health and safety of petroleum-based lubricants with biobased lubricants, which shall include an analysis of fire safety; and(4) a comparison of the environmental impact of petroleum-based lubricants with biobased lubricants, which shall include the rate and effects of biodegradability.