WASHINGTON, DC – Growth Energy, the coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters, issued the following statement in response to a USDA Economic Research Service report released today, Next-Generation Biofuels – Near-Term Challenges and Implications for Agriculture, which underscores the tremendous potential of American farmers to sustainably meet our growing demand for renewable, affordable and domestically-produced energy – particularly ethanol.
“America’s ethanol producers and farmers have made remarkable strides toward fully commercializing cellulosic ethanol through the development of new technology, research into the variety of available feedstock, and reduced production costs,” said Tom Buis, Growth Energy CEO. “However, if we are truly going to meet our nation’s renewable fuel goals and substantially reduce our dependence on foreign oil, we need to do more. Specifically, we need to open the market to more ethanol by adopting higher, intermediate ethanol blends in the near-term, while bringing our entire vehicle fleet up to modern engine standards, and building out the fuel infrastructure to deliver higher-level ethanol blends to more people. We are working with the Obama Administration and Congress on these issues as we continue to address 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.