Anti-American Anti-Ethanol Amendments Opposed

WASHINGTON, A coalition of renewable energy and agriculture advocates signed a letter sent to all Members of the House of Representatives today urging opposition to amendments that would weaken efforts to reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil and cost U.S. jobs.

The letter was signed by Growth Energy, Advanced Ethanol Council, American Coalition for Ethanol, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, National Sorghum Producers and the Renewable Fuels Association. It directly addresses a series of amendments offered by Reps. John Sullivan, R-Okla., Gary Peters, D-Mich., and Michael Burgess, R-Texas, that would block the legal implementation of the Green Jobs Waiver for E15 approved after more than a year of extensive laboratory testing.

In the letter, the groups wrote, “…these amendments would inhibit new innovation to provide alternatives to foreign oil. We are looking toward cutting-edge innovation to move to new ethanol feedstocks, like plant wastes, wood chips, and switchgrass. The Sullivan/Peters and Burgess amendments would solidify the status quo – a 90 percent mandate of our fuel supply from oil and would prevent American-made ethanol – a more affordable vehicle fuel than regular gasoline – from getting to consumers.”

The full text of the letter is below:

We write today in strong opposition to FY 2012 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill amendment no. 6 offered by Rep. John Sullivan (R-Okla.) and Rep. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and amendments no. 9 and 10 offered by Rep. Michael Burgess (R-Texas) that would prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing the approved use of 15 percent ethanol blended fuel (E15).

Preventing the EPA from implementing the use of E15 for cars, pickups and SUVs made in model year 2001 and newer, further contributes to our nation’s reliance on petroleum sourced fuels. Extensive testing has been done on E15 and it has been found to be a safe and effective fuel for use in the vehicles approved in the waiver. There has been no evidence to the contrary that would indicate problems in any vehicle regardless of vintage. In fact, the EPA’s approval of E15 was based on more exhaustive study and data collection than any of the 11 previously-approved fuel waiver petitions. No other fuel mix has been tested more. Consumers are not required to use E15 - it is a market choice.

Further, these amendments would inhibit new innovation to provide alternatives to foreign oil. We are looking toward cutting-edge innovation to move to new ethanol feedstocks, like plant wastes, wood chips, and switchgrass. The Sullivan/Peters and Burgess amendments would solidify the status quo – a 90 percent mandate of our fuel supply from oil and would prevent American-made ethanol – a more affordable vehicle fuel than regular gasoline – from getting to consumers.

The Sullivan/Peters and Burgess amendments halt efforts by the United States to broaden and diversify our sources of motor fuels.

At a time when prices at the pump are again approaching $4/gallon, in the interest of American consumers, American energy independence, and our national security, we urge you to vote NO on Sullivan/Peters amendment no. 6 and Burgess amendments no. 9 and 10.

Sincerely,

Advanced Ethanol Council
American Coalition for Ethanol Growth Energy
National Corn Growers Association
National Farmers Union
National Sorghum Producers
Renewable Fuels Association

source: theautochannel