NASCAR’s Richard Childress testified for advanced biofuels during a hearing of the Senate Agriculture Committee last week emphasizing the valuable role advanced biofuels play in creating jobs and strengthening the rural economy.
There’s no doubt that advanced biofuels are on the move despite many obstacles. Last fall, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sent a wave of uncertainty through the industry when the agency released its proposal to greatly reduce the renewable volume obligations for 2014. The EPA proposal would whittle down the volume targets for advanced biofuels from 3.25 billion gallons to 2.2 billion gallons for fiscal year 2014.
It doesn’t make any sense for the EPA to take actions like this and scare off future investments in this promising industry. Ethanol, biodiesel and other advanced biofuels offer the United States great opportunity. Homegrown biofuels have been a catalyst for economic development in rural America. I worked to help create the Renewable Fuel Standard in legislation enacted in 2005 and expanded in 2007. And I worked to extend incentives for cellulosic ethanol production.
The Senate Agriculture Committee hearing helps to send a loud and clear message to the EPA and others about the benefits of advanced biofuels for Americans nationwide, from jobs to energy security, to environmental impact.