Washington, D.C. – Growth Energy today announced Tom Buis, recent president of the National Farmers Union, as the new CEO of the organization and former Congressman Jim Nussle as Special Advisor to the Board of Directors. The announcement comes on the heels of the news that General Wesley Clark will serve as Growth Energy’s National Co-Chairman.
“I’m excited to take on this new role as CEO of Growth Energy. Through my work with farmers over the past several decades, I’ve seen firsthand how ethanol can be an American solution to our economic and energy challenges,” said Buis. “As CEO of Growth Energy, I look forward to working with the Obama administration and Members of Congress to demonstrate how increased use of ethanol can continue to be an engine for job growth and a critical part of our renewable energy future.”
In addition to running the day-to-day operations for Growth Energy, Buis will work with the board to set the policy agenda for the organization. He will assume his responsibilities on March 16, 2009. Former Congressman Jim Nussle of Iowa will join the Board of Directors of Growth Energy as Special Advisor.
“I’m deeply concerned about the economic crisis, but I know that investing in clean, green energy sources like ethanol will not only help us revive our communities today but light a path for greater economic growth in the future,” said Nussle. “In fact, there is action the government can take today to expand the ethanol market and create jobs, without dipping into stimulus dollars. If the Obama administration is looking for solutions to our economic problems, ethanol provides a homegrown answer.”
“I’m proud that Congressman Nussle and Tom Buis, two fine public servants, will be joining Growth Energy as we work to create new green-collar American jobs, increase our nation’s energy independence, and improve the environment by expanding the use of ethanol in our fuel supply,” said General Clark. “We will work together to advocate for policies that will improve ethanol’s green footprint and lead us to the next generation of biofuels.”
Jim Nussle was the Director of the Office of Management and Budget from 2007-2009. Previously, he served the people of Iowa as a member of Congress for 16 years. He sat on the Agriculture, Banking, and Ways and Means Committees. He also was elected by his peers to Chair the House Budget Committee.
Tom Buis served as president of the National Farmers’ Union since 2006. Prior to joining NFU, Buis served as senior agriculture policy advisor to Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.), in addition to serving other members of Congress. Prior to moving to Washington, D.C. in 1987, Buis was a full-time grain and livestock farmer in Putnam and Morgan Counties in West Central Indiana with his brothers, who continue to operate the family farm.
About Growth Energy
Growth Energy is a group committed to the promise of agriculture and growing America’s economy through cleaner, greener energy. Growth Energy members recognize America needs a new ethanol approach. Through smart policy reform and a proactive grassroots campaign, Growth Energy promotes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding the use of ethanol in gasoline, decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, and creating American jobs at home. More information can be found at GrowthEnergy.org.