WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Growth Energy, the coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters, called on General Motors Biofuel Implementation Manager C. Coleman Jones to retract misleading statements he made in a New York Times story that were based on an inconclusive and incomplete study.
In his comments, Jones falsely claimed that auto industry research raised serious concerns about increasing the blend of ethanol in gasoline. The same day the news story was published, Jones told a research group involved with the study that the work was incomplete– a fact excluded from the news story. Growth Energy staff were in attendance at the CRC Mid-Level Ethanol Blends Research Coordination Group meeting in Washington, D.C., to hear Jones make his statements firsthand. He further told the CRC group that he was “misquoted” by The New York Times reporter.
In an effort to correct this misinformation, Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis today sent a letter to Jones urging him to retract his statements.
In the letter, Buis wrote, “I write to express extreme disappointment regarding the misleading comments in this week’s New York Times (NYT) stating that auto industry research has found data that an increase of ethanol mixed into gasoline will damage cars and increase the amount of pollution. This is a gross misrepresentation of the facts and Growth Energy calls upon you and General Motors to issue a retraction stating the story was misleading and incorrect.
“I hope that you agree that the public deserves to know the facts regarding these tests. Please correct this misinformation. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.”
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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.