(October 1, 2010)  Washington – Addressing the annual gathering of Renewable Fuels Association members yesterday, Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change Policy Heather Zichal reiterated the commitment of the Obama Administration to the entire ethanol industry regardless of technology or feedstock.

Specifically, Zichal underscored the Administration’s commitment to current policies that are effective in expanding this critical industry and the need to recognize that the White House and the industry share a vision for the continued evolution of the biofuels industry. Speaking in reference to the tax incentive for ethanol use, Zichal said:

“The message I want to bring to you today is that we want to and look forward to engaging with the industry and the Hill as we look at options for reform. We want to make sure that it’s guided by a recognition that the existing program does work – we’re certainly not looking to upend a program that works, as occasionally happens in Washington. We want to make sure that we are all on the same page as we move forward and have these discussions.”

In addition, Zichal spoke of the Administration’s desire to see both current ethanol producers as well as next generation technologies succeed. “To be clear, this administration is working to provide continued support for first-generation corn ethanol, which we believe is a critically important renewable fuel source,” Zichal said. “At the same time, we’re also looking forward and are working to accelerate the creation and rapid deployment of advanced biofuels, which we think will ultimately become one of the nation’s most important industries in the years to come.”

Zichal also expressed appreciation for the thoughtful participation of the RFA and its members in constructively seeking solutions to issues currently before the industry. “We certainly welcome RFA’s willingness to advance new ideas about how to tackle these policies,” Zichal said. “The administration has had a strong partnership with RFA and we certainly look forward to continuing that.”

Zichal’s entire comments can be read here.

Additionally, Zichal was a participant in the RFA-sponsored debate series on between the Obama and McCain Campaigns during the last presidential election. The debate was hosted by Agri-Talk and a transcript of Zichal’s comments can be read here.