WASHINGTON – Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, released the following statement on the news that a solution has been reached regarding indirect land use change provisions that would have unfairly penalized American ethanol producers and farmers for greenhouse gas emissions that they have no responsibility for or control over.
“We congratulate Chairman Peterson and Chairman Waxman on reaching a common sense solution to this very controversial issue. We believe that additional study of the issue of indirect land use change will further demonstrate that these provisions should never have been a part of the 2007 energy law to begin with. Chairman Peterson’s steadfast leadership in ensuring an equal playing field for America’s homegrown fuel producers was critical to achieving this resolution. This is a good first step in a longer process, including full review by the House and Senate.”
“Growth Energy made this issue a high priority and led the efforts to get Congress to address this provision that should never have been law, since it was included in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 without debate or any reliance on facts of what really causes land use changes in foreign countries. If this provision had not been changed, it would have threatened America’s farmers.”
“We have always been very skeptical about any link between American ethanol production and deforestation in Brazil. Further, we believe that the theory of indirect land use change uses faulty models and assumptions that would ultimately force Americans to be further dependent on foreign oil. Promoting ethanol in America will help create jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, strengthen our national security, and green our environment. We look forward to our continued work with the Obama Administration and Congress in addressing our nation’s economic and energy challenges.”
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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.