The U.S. Navy's much-publicized growing green fleet could be dead in the water if Republican lawmakers have their way. According to reports this week from the National Defense Industrial Association, the House Armed Services Committee has voted to prohibit the Defense Department from buying what it terms as "pricey" alternative fuels. The proposed measure would also repeal part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, the catalyst for gaining the nation's fuel independence from petroleum.

Really, GOP? I understand you want to look thrifty, or at least selectively so, but turning back the clock on this kind of progress seems irresponsible. One amendment would ban the Pentagon from buying alternative fuels if they cost more than traditional fossil fuels. But how is that measured? Are all long-term costs considered or just initial price?

The other proposal would exempt the Defense Department from legislation that requires that the government purchase only alternative fuels that are less polluting than conventional fuels. Thanks for trying to assure the Defense Department won't have to be environmentally responsible when it comes to fuel choice. That's certainly a good roadmap for the future.

The amendments were offered by Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX) and are acknowledged by alternative energy experts as having the potential to stymie the progress the Defense Department has made in its exploration and use of alternative fuels.

It's always interesting to see how gas price trends impact consumer interest in hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. Is there less pain at the pump? Recent data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration would indicate that's the case as diesel and gasoline prices dropped for the fifth straight week. Meanwhile, oil prices continue to drift downward as well, a trend some are attributing to concerns over Greece's economy, and that of Europe in general.

Despite the upcoming holiday weekend, the EIA reports that gasoline prices dropped by an average of 3.6 cents this week to $3.754 a gallon, which is down more than 20 cents from where prices were just a year ago. The exception is the West Coast, which actually saw a jump of 12 cents compared to last week's report.

According to the EIA's weekly update, diesel fuel has reached the lowest average price since February, at $4.004 a gallon. This level is down an average of 5.7 cents from this same week in 2011.

Algae biofuel developer OriginOil, Inc. has just announced a new partnership with Algasol Renewables for collaboration on the creation of an integrated algae growth and harvesting system that will capitalize on Algaol's patented system for growing algae in floating bags. The companies believe the process is a lot more efficient than more traditional cultivation methods.

OriginOil's technology contribution will be its special harvesting system. The company specializes in converting algae into a crude oil style product. The two companies are hoping that by coming together, they will achieve an all-new cost breakthrough that will allow algae biofuel to compete on a cost basis with petroleum.

The floating bags are a type of photobioreactor and can be used in the ocean or in saltwater ponds created on land. The idea behind the floating feature is that it allows for optimal light exposure, giving a big boost to productivity, yet avoiding high temperatures and excess salinity that often occur with more traditional solar growth system. To date, Algasol has obtained patents in 70 countries for its floating technology.

OriginOil is also working with the Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory. The project involves implementation of a downstream fuel conversion process that that company plans to eventually integrate into its work with Algasol.

Earlier this week, Ford announced the first of its dealers who have been certified to sell the 2012 Ford Focus Electric. Roll out of the Focus Electric is with much fanfare, as the vehicle has been certified by the EPA to offer 10 MPGe in the city and 105 MPGe combined, rolling past the Nissan Leaf by 6 MPGe.

Dealers had to go through a number of hoops before being named one of the 67 dealers currently anticipating the arrival of the Focus to their showrooms later this spring. Original availability is limited to dealers in California, New York and New Jersey with roll out nationwide by the end of this year. This is the first EV to be marketed by Ford.

To request certification, dealership had to install two charging stations, agree to have at least one Focus Electric available at all times for demo and event purpose, and participate in a Ford Go Green Dealer Onsite Facility Assessment. In addition, at least 80 percent of sales and service management-level positions must meet specific electric vehicle training certification requirements.