WASHINGTON, DC – A new bill introduced by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tim Johnson (D-SD) today includes provisions that will help our nation wean itself off of oil and secure our energy independence, according to Growth Energy, the coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters.
The Securing America’s Future with Energy and Sustainable Technologies Act (SAFEST) includes provisions to promote the production and use of renewable fuels like ethanol through an investment in ethanol infrastructure –blender pumps and pipelines—and Flex Fuel Vehicles, which are capable of operating on any combination of conventional and renewable fuels.
“In these tough economic times, we need a national energy policy that creates jobs in the United States, improves our environment and strengthens our national security by reducing our reliance on foreign oil,” said CEO Tom Buis. “Legislation that requires automakers to produce flex fuel vehicles and retailers to install blender pumps would provide more drivers with a choice of mid- and high-level ethanol blends and create thousands of good-paying green collar jobs that can’t be outsourced.”
The legislation also addresses the controversial concept of Indirect Land Use Change and provides equity by allowing all feedstocks that meet the 50 percent Green House Gas reduction requirements to qualify as an advanced biofuel. Buis noted that grain ethanol is 59 percent cleaner than gasoline refined from oil and can play a significant role in cleaning our air.
“We commend Sens. Klobuchar and Johnson for their efforts to ensure a cleaner, more secure energy future for America.”
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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.