[I received this information from an inside source in the Oregon bike advocacy scene, I will post a link to the full press release when it is available online.]
This just in from the office of Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore):
‘Conserve By Bike’ Provision Included in Energy Bill
$6.2 Million Pilot Program Designed to Spur Bike Use
WASHINGTON, DC – A new pilot program designed by Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D – Ore) has been included into the final version of H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The initiative, called “Conserve By Bike,” establishes within the Department of Transportation a program to oversee up to 10 pilot projects across the country designed to conserve energy resources by providing education and marketing tools to convert car trips to bike trips…
…Yesterday, the House of Representatives approved the legislation, and the Senate followed suit this afternoon. It is widely expected that the President will sign the legislation in the coming days.