CEO, Tom Buis discusses the importance of the RFS, E15 and economic benefits of ethanol production
WASHINGTON, DC — Continuing the defense of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and awareness of the benefits of E15, Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy traveled to North Dakota to participate in the 2012 Renewable Energy Action Summit yesterday. While at the summit Buis also discussed the economic importance of the ethanol industry to North Dakota.
“I was honored to be a part of yesterday’s panel and I would like to thank the sponsors and hosts of the event. North Dakota enjoys a wealth of support from its elected officials and local businesses. Without their support, North Dakota’s ethanol industry would not be the leader in production and innovation that it is today,” Buis stated.
Buis went on to explain the benefits of ethanol and its increased usage, moving past the current blendwall and making E15 commercially available. Increasing to an E15 blend would help create an additional 136,000 jobs while reducing our addiction to foreign oil. In fact, increasing the blend level from E10 to E15 will avoid the importation of the foreign oil needed to produce as much as seven billion gallons of gasoline. Additionally, it would provide consumers with a choice of a less expensive, cleaner burning alternative that is better for our environment and better for North Dakota.
“The impact of the industry cannot be underestimated,” Buis continued. “The economic opportunities created are revitalizing rural economies and providing new and exciting prospects. Now, our best and brightest are returning home after pursuing a higher education and staying, instead of leaving for jobs elsewhere. That is important for the local economy, and more importantly, for the community,” Buis continued.
“Now more than ever it is important that we defend the RFS and ensure its continued success,” explained Buis. “Shortsighted attacks on the RFS threaten the very core of the industry. The facts cannot dispute the very real achievements as a result of the RFS. Oil imports have dropped from 61 to 45 percent since its enactment and it continues to drive investment in the American economy, instead of shipping dollars overseas.”
“We must work together in defense of this program. Its success cannot be denied and we are only five years into a 15 year energy policy that is producing real results. With the next generation of biofuels right around the corner, we must continue to move forward, in the pursuit of a cleaner environment, continued economic opportunities and a meaningful reduction in our dependence on foreign oil.”
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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.