WASHINGTON, DC –Growth Energy, the coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters, today applauded a decision by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to deregulate a variety of genetically engineered corn called Amylase corn – a decision that will assist in a vital step in ethanol production. Syngenta Biotechnology, Inc. submitted a petition in 2005 to deregulate the variety of corn which produces a common enzyme that breaks down starch into sugar, thereby facilitating the ethanol production process.
Growth Energy plant member and CEO of Western Plains Energy, Steve McNinch released the following statement:
“Every day, America’s ethanol producers are developing technological improvements to increase efficiency, reduce water use, and boost the amount of energy derived from grain and from cellulosic biomass. I have witnessed firsthand the potential for improved efficiencies in ethanol production utilizing Amylase corn and this technology may prove to be a more sustainable way to produce corn-based ethanol while using less water and energy. I applaud the USDA’s decision to make this technology available to the entire industry.”
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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.