WASHINGTON, DC – Growth Energy, the coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters, today welcomed a delegation of four Ohio ethanol supporters to Washington, D.C., for a series of meetings with members of Congress. This is the latest in a series of fly-ins organized by Growth Energy to show lawmakers the depth of support for federal policy in support of ethanol.
During the group’s two day visit, the delegation will meet personally with Sen. Sherrod Brown (D), Reps. Patrick Tiberi (R), Steve Austria (R), Jim Jordan (R), Zack Space (D) and Bob Latta (R) as well as the staffs of Sen. George Voinovich (R), Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D) and House Minority Leader John Boehner (R). Specifically, the meetings will focus on how expanding the production of ethanol could help strengthen the U.S. economy by creating jobs and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
“The state of Ohio has been an important ally in the fight for renewable, sustainable ethanol and we are delighted these Ohio 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 delegation includes Mark Borer, General Manager of POET Biorefining- Leipsic, Robert Flynn, General Manager of POET Biorefining – Fostoria, Dave Brooks, General Manager of POET Biorefining – Marion and Mike Irmen, Director of Ethanol Services at the Andersons, Inc.
“As representatives of Ohio’s ethanol plants, we are excited about the opportunity to visit Ohio’s elected officials and discuss the many economic benefits that the industry is providing to Ohio’s citizens,” said Mark Borer, General Manager of POET Biorefining- Leipsic and President of the Ohio Ethanol Producers (OEP). “Ohio has seen rapid growth in ethanol producing capabilities since 2008 and it has had a tremendous impact on our employees, farmers and local communities. This recent growth has given Ohio the latest technology and some of the most capable facilities in the nation and we look forward to working with our representatives in support of the industry to ensure we maximize the economic and environmental benefits, while positioning America for the energy independence that we so desperately need.”
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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.