WASHINGTON, DC – Supporters of domestic ethanol – from governors to farmers, from NFL players to small business owners – are recognizing America’s Independence Day with calls on Congress to pass legislation that levels the playing field for U.S. ethanol.
“Congress is returning from its Independence Day break next week to work on energy and ‘green jobs’ legislation – and we believe domestic ethanol offers many solutions to the problems we face as a country,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, the coalition of domestic ethanol supporters. “Every gallon of ethanol we make here in the United States creates more jobs here that can’t be outsourced. And every gallon of clean-burning domestic ethanol means less reliance on foreign oil – meaning we can clean our air while we strengthen our national security.”
Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland led a press conference today at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus; he was joined by representatives of Growth Energy, agriculture and business in a call for Congressional action on behalf of domestic ethanol. Tomorrow, Buis and Gen. Wesley Clark, co-chairman of Growth Energy, will join Indianapolis Colts tight-end Dallas Clark for a presentation on ethanol in Indianapolis. On Thursday, Gen. Clark will be in Ames, Iowa, for a press conference where he will be joined by ethanol producers, farmers and others.
Earlier, Congressional leaders indicated they would take up legislation for energy and “green jobs” when they returned from the Fourth of July work period. Growth Energy believes there are several specific measures that should be included in the legislation to build out the infrastructure that opens the fuels market, such as:
• Mandates that all automobiles sold in the U.S. be Flex Fuel Vehicles; and
• Federal support for the installation of “blender pumps” so consumers – and not Big Oil – have the right to choose their fuel.
“I cannot think of a better time to increase our nation’s independence from foreign energy than during the Independence Day holiday. The American people know that America’s fuel is domestic ethanol – and we’re making sure that our friends in Washington, DC, know that, too,” Buis said.
# # #
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.