RFA Present at Energy Bill Signing

Today, President Bush signed into law the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (H.R. 6) and ushered in a new era in the way America produces and uses energy. Joining President Bush at the signing ceremony, Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen issued the following statement:

“History will look back upon the enactment of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 as the moment America chose a new energy policy path. By coupling increases in vehicle efficiency and renewable fuel use, America is taking the most immediate steps available that will have the greatest impact in securing a more sustainable energy and environmental future.

“Make no mistake, the road to greater environmental sustainability and energy independence will be long. It will require the adoption of new technologies as well as the continued investment in renewable energy industries with a proven record in helping to mitigate global climate change and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

“One such group providing environmental and energy security benefits today is America’s domestic ethanol producers. The use of ethanol today is reducing greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of taking 1.2 million cars on the roads and reducing foreign oil imports by 206 million barrels annually. And those were just 2006 contributions. By increasing the use of ethanol produced from a variety of feedstocks, these benefits will only continue to increase.

“This legislation takes the responsible approach needed to ensure that America’s renewable fuels industry continues to prosper. By requiring that nearly 60 percent of the new Renewable Fuels Standard be met by advanced biofuels, including cellulosic ethanol, Congress has provided the necessary assurance for ethanol producers and investors that a market for their product will exist. As a result, the commercialization of these important next generation ethanol technologies will develop far sooner than conventional wisdom suggests.

“We have been paralyzed for too long in the country by the rhetoric of tradition energy producers telling us we can’t do to make America’s energy future stronger. The enactment of this bill is a testament to what we can do when we work together toward a shared vision of the future. Without question, more work will be needed and the U.S. ethanol stands ready to do its part. But don’t be fooled by the naysayers. This bill takes historic steps toward a new energy dawn.”