Ethanol industry praises Bush comments on renewable energy

WASHINGTON – The Renewable Fuels Association has praised President Bush’s commitment to promoting renewable fuels, including fuels derived from crops like ethanol, during his weekly radio address.

Bush also urged the U.S. Senate to pass comprehensive energy legislation.

Bush’s remarks. Bush stated, “America is already using more energy than our domestic resources can provide, and unless we act to increase our energy independence, our reliance on foreign sources of energy will only increase…

“My plan offers tax credits and other incentives for the use of renewable energy sources, like wind power, solar power, and fuels derived from crops. Renewable energy can increase our energy independence and help our farm economy.”

Praising the president. “The ethanol industry applauds President Bush for prioritizing the increased use of renewable fuels,” said Bob Dinneen, president of the RFA. “Increasing the use of ethanol-blended gasoline is one of the few immediate ways to boost domestic supplies and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

“Tens of thousands of American farmers have joined the battle for energy independence by investing in ethanol production facilities. By the end of this year, the U.S. ethanol industry will have added nearly one billion gallons of additional production capacity since only 1999.”

Energy legislation. The U.S. Senate is preparing to debate major energy legislation. The energy bill, introduced by Sens. Tom Daschle, D-S.D., and Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., includes a bipartisan provision establishing a renewable fuels standard.

A standard would require a small percentage of U.S. fuel to be provided by a renewable source like ethanol or biodiesel.

Many benefits. “Enacting a meaningful RFS will enhance energy security and stimulate rural economic development,” said Dinneen. “Studies indicate an RFS can create 300,000 American jobs, reduce crude oil imports by over 300 million barrels a year, and increase net farm income over $6.6 billion a year.

“An RFS is good energy policy, good security policy, good farm policy, good economic policy, and good environmental policy. We remain confident that a robust RFS will be approved by the Senate, the House, and ultimately signed into law by President Bush.”