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The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) recently provided two research grants totaling $766,562 to advance the use of bio-based fuels and lubricants.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded $395,189 to North Carolina State University to continue researching the use of biofuels for freight- and passenger-rail operations, which could result in the possible recommendation of a “premium” biofuel blend for locomotive engines, according to the USDOT.

In addition, the FRA awarded $371,373 to the National Ag-Based Lubricant Center at the University of Northern Iowa to study the feasibility of freight and passenger railroads using readily biodegradable soy-based lubricants.

“We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint through the use of alternative sources,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in a prepared statement.