Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), commented on the 2013 Farm Bill as it moves from Senate approval to consideration by the House of Representatives.
“It has been a long process, but a very worthwhile one. After much thoughtful dialogue, the Senate passed a Farm Bill that is forward-looking and positive for America’s renewable fuels industry. We believe the House, like the Senate, will also recognize the job-creating, value-added economic engine that the ethanol industry has become. In 2012, the ethanol producers across this country supported over 300,000 jobs.
“It is important to note the inclusion of programs like the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), the Biomass Crop Assistance Program, and the Biorefinery Assistance Program. These programs signal Congress’ desire to see more world-class innovation and deployment of ethanol and other renewable fuels into the marketplace. With the support of these programs, the infrastructure can be put in place to provide American drivers with cost saving, environmentally friendly fuel choice at the pump while reducing America’s dependence on dangerous foreign oil.”
Dinneen concluded, “As the House begins its deliberations, we encourage them to keep the larger goals of energy independence and rural economic revitalization in mind. There is no denying ethanol and its brethren renewable fuels are the key to fast and certain strides.”