Thune: coal-based fuel could save money, power security interests

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) South Dakota Senator John Thune says fuel made from coal someday might power bombers that fly out of Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Thune says making coal-based fuel would help the South Dakota economy, cut costs for the Air Force and reduce dependence on unfriendly nations. He says that last week, a B-One bomber based in Texas made an experimental flight using coal-based fuel.

Thune says the Air Force is trying to diversify its fuel supply and hopes synthetic alternatives will power half of its air fleet in North America by 2016. Thune says firms need long-term contracts to invest in the expensive refinery systems needed to produce such synthetic fuels.

Thune says every time oil prices rise $10 a barrel, it costs the Air Force another 1.3 billion dollars in fuel expenses.

The Air Force is currently seeking bids to build a coal-to-fuels plant at Malmstrom Air Force Base near Great Falls, Montana.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 03-28-08 1146CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list