Groups press Senate to reject House ethanol restrictions

The House bill to fund the government through September would prevent EPA from proceeding with a program to allow use of higher amounts of ethanol in newer vehicles.

The bill would also block federal funding for the installation of certain ethanol-related infrastructure at gas stations.

With current federal spending only in place through March 4, House Republicans are also floating a short-term, stopgap spending measure.

Here’s the whole ethanol letter:

Dear Senator:

As the United States Senate considers a Continuing Resolution for 2011, we urge you to defeat any efforts that would damage the American ethanol industry and the integrity of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS).

The implementation and enforcement of the RFS is critical to advancing home-grown energy sources and developing and maintaining a robust renewable fuels industry.  The importance of the RFS is underscored by recent events that have forced oil prices to more than $100 per barrel, increasing gasoline prices and further threatening the fragile economic recovery.

Despite the logic of fostering energy independence through a robust ethanol industry, the House of Representatives adopted amendments as part of H.R. 1 that would undermine significant investments in rural communities.  Those investments have created American jobs, strengthened national security and helped grow our rural economy through the increased production and use of ethanol.

We urge you to oppose any efforts that would prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing the approval of E15 for cars, pickups and SUVs made in model year 2001 and later. Such a prohibition would only contribute to our nation’s reliance on foreign sources of oil.  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 that would indicate problems in any vehicle regardless of vintage. 

In addition, we urge you to oppose any legislation which would prevent federal agencies from using federal funds for directly or indirectly supporting the installation of ethanol infrastructure such as blender pumps– fuel dispensers which give motorists a choice of the blend of ethanol and gasoline—and storage facilities. Blender pump installation will provide consumers a cost-effective fuel choice and support domestic renewable fuels that reduce dependency on foreign oil.

American ethanol is uniquely positioned to help America achieve energy independence.  Domestic ethanol production has been and is currently a major force in the revitalization of rural America by helping to create green jobs and by stimulating economic activity in rural communities. 

As our nation struggles to overcome economic uncertainty, we need to recognize the vital contribution that domestic ethanol production makes to achieving energy independence and creating a healthy economy.  We look forward to continuing our work with you to build a stronger, safer and more prosperous America.

Thank you for your support and consideration.

Sincerely,
American Coalition for Ethanol


American Farm Bureau Federation


Growth Energy


Renewable Fuels Association


National Corn Growers Association


National Farmers Union


National Sorghum Producers