B-1 bombers at Ellsworth Air Force Base could someday be flying on fuel made from Wyoming coal, a move that would boost the regional economy and reduce America's energy dependence on unfriendly nations, Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., said Thursday.

Speaking to a Rotary Club luncheon at the Radisson Hotel, Thune said a B-1B Lancer bomber at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas made an experimental flight last week on coal-based fuel. The Air Force has previously tested C-17s and B-52s on the fuel in an ongoing effort to find cheaper alternatives to regular oil, which now sells for more than $100 a barrel and often comes from nations that aren't U.S. allies, Thune said.

The Air Force is the largest buyer of aviation fuel in the nation, spending about $12.6 billion on the fuel last year alone, Thune said. Each $10-per-barrel hike in the price of oil means a $1.3 billion increase in Air Force fuel costs, he said.

Finding a cheaper alternative will save money and reduce dependence on foreign fuel supplies, Thune said.

"It really is important as a matter of national security and because of the importance of fiscal responsibility," Thune said.

The Air Force is working on diversifying its fuel supply and hopes synthetic alternatives will fuel half its air fleet in North America by 2016, Thune said. But private interests need long-term contracts to invest in the expensive refinery systems needed to produce those synthetic fuels, he said.

Currently, fuel contracts are limited to five years. Through his position on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Thune hopes to advance legislation to increase the length of those contracts.

"We think this creates enormous opportunity for us to become less dependent on foreign sources of energy," Thune said. "And because of our location, where all the coal is next door in Wyoming and Montana, we could benefit economically, as well."

Contact Kevin Woster at 394-8413 or kevin.woster@rapidcityjournal.com.