Energy Bill Moves Forward and Stops

The U.S. House of Representatives took another important step Thursday toward making America more energy stable and sustainable. Of particular note, this energy bill responsibly expands the Renewable Fuels Standard by requiring 36 billion gallons of renewable fuel be used annually by 2022. Importantly, 21 billion gallons of that goal must come from advanced biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol.

Commending those supporting this shift in energy policy direction in this country, Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen issued the following statement:

“The House of Representatives took an important step forward today in ensuring a stronger and more sustainable energy and environmental future for this country. This bill recognizes the critical importance of diversifying our nation’s motor fuel supply by increasing the use of renewable fuels like ethanol.

“Importantly, the renewable fuels provisions of this bill take a pragmatic approach to ensuring that the promise of advanced biofuels like cellulosic ethanol is realized. By requiring that nearly two-thirds of the new 36 billion gallon goal must come from advanced biofuels, House leaders have provided the necessary market to foster the continued investment and development of the cellulosic arm of the U.S. ethanol industry.

“Additionally, this bill moves ethanol and renewable fuels beyond being just a blending component in gasoline. It guarantees that sufficient volumes of ethanol will be available to support the meaningful expansion of E85 and flexible fuel vehicle technology. And, it puts America in a stronger position to weather the antics of despots in oil-rich nations because we are no longer so heavily reliant on their petroleum for our energy needs.

“I strongly encourage the Senate to continue its leadership, ignore the taradiddle coming from opportunistic ethanol critics, and ensure this important piece of America’s energy strategy becomes a reality. The price of waiting any longer to address our nation’s energy crisis is too great. The time for action is now.”

However, the Senate Friday failed to on a vote to cut off debate on the Energy Bill passed by the House. The tax and renewable electricity provisions of the bill raised the threat of a veto from the White House and Sen. Pete Domenici of New Mexico, the ranking Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said, “This is not a good bill, but it can be turned into a great bill.”