WASHINGTON, DC – Growth Energy, the leading voice for U.S. ethanol supporters, released the following statement in response to the Senate’s motion to cut off debate on Amendment No. 436, introduced by Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., that would have immediately repealed the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC) and ended the tariff on imported ethanol. The vote was 59-40.
Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis said,
“The fight is not over until we achieve real reform for the ethanol industry, but this vote sends a signal that there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it. For more than a year, Growth Energy has advocated for our Fueling Freedom plan, which would phase out the VEETC in a fiscally responsible way, while redirecting the funds toward ethanol infrastructure build out. Opening the fuels market to ethanol, through Flex Fuel pumps and Flex Fuel vehicles, would give consumers a choice at the pump and allow us to ultimately eliminate all government assistance. We applaud the Senate for blocking movement on Sen. Coburn’s short sighted amendment and opening the door for legislation like the recently introduced bill from Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) that will truly transform America’s energy policy to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and strengthen our nation’s economic and national security.”
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About Growth Energy
Growth Energy represents the producers and supporters of ethanol who feed the world and fuel America in ways that achieve energy independence, improve economic well-being and create a healthier environment for all Americans now.