WASHINGTON, DC – Growth Energy, the coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters, today welcomed a delegation of 11 Kansas ethanol supporters to Washington D.C. for a series of meetings with members of Congress.
During the group’s two day visit, the delegation will meet personally with Sens. Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Reps. Jerry Moran (KS-1) and Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-2) to help raise awareness about ethanol and its role as the leading biofuel to reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, create jobs, and strengthen our economy.
“The state of Kansas has been a consistent ally in the fight for renewable, sustainable ethanol and we are delighted that so many Kansas natives have traveled to our nation’s capital to help educate our members of Congress about the benefits of ethanol,” said Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis. “These meetings provide a critical opportunity for ethanol supporters to interact one-on-one with their legislators and inform them about the issues that are most important to the state.”
The 11 Kansas delegates include Brian Baalman of Western Plains Energy, Mike Chisam of Kansas Ethanol, Donna Funk of Kennedy & Coe, Ed Condon, Tom Willis, Nick Hatcher and Greg Stone of Conestoga, Greg Krissek and Monique Garcia of ICM, Tom Tunnell of the Kansas Assoc. of Ethanol Producers and Steve McNinch of Western Plains Energy.
“We know effective representation of domestic ethanol means bringing constituents to Capitol Hill so the lawmakers hear firsthand what we can do to strengthen America’s energy independence, create U.S. jobs and reduce pollution – all through increasing the production and consumption of American ethanol,” said Steve McNinch, CEO of Western Plains Energy, in Oakley, Kan., and a member of the Growth Energy board of directors.
“This is an important opportunity for Kansas ethanol supporters to speak directly with the decision makers in Washington about the benefits of domestically-produced Ethanol,” said Greg Krissek, ICM Director of Governmental Affairs, and a member of the Growth Energy board of directors. “Ethanol is America’s fuel: it is homegrown, it creates U.S. jobs, and it contributes to our rural economies.”
During their visit, the delegation will also attend a Policy Issues briefing conducted by Growth Energy Staff and meet with members of the House Committee on Agriculture and staff from other Congressional offices.
###
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.