|
Corn Growers See Opportunities
for Ethanol in Bush Energy Plan (5-18-01)
The National Corn
Growers Association (NCGA) sees opportunities for expanding ethanol
markets in the energy plan announced yesterday by President George W.
Bush.
"The President's
plan sets the broad parameters for the debate on the specifics of energy
policy and programs that must occur," said Boyd Smith, farmer from
York, Neb., and vice chairman of the NCGA Customer and Business Development
Action Team. "The President called for an enhanced use of renewable
energy and increased conservation. We welcome the plan and the debate
it will spur because it provides ethanol supporters a forum to promote
expanding ethanol production and use.
The NCGA noted the
plan's positive elements such as:
* The continuation
of the ethanol excise tax exemption;
* The Energy Task
Force also recognizes the environmental benefits of ethanol, citing
its ability to reduce vehicles' smog-causing emissions." In addition,
the report suggests that the elimination of MTBE as an oxygenate in
gasoline will "likely spur greater reliance on ethanol."
* The recognition
that ethanol is a potential fuel for advanced vehicles like fuel cells.
"While we believe
ethanol deserves a more prominent and permanent place in energy policy,
we will use this opportunity to continue to promote a clean, abundant,
renewable fuel that can help solve the immediate and long-term energy
crisis," Smith emphasized.
"For example,
in defending his proposal to promote exploration in the Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), President Bush stated that ANWR will produce
600,000 barrels of oil per day, just the amount the United States imports
from Iraq. A recent proposal by Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) and Tim Johnson
(D-S.D.) also calls for producing enough ethanol to replace the equivalent
of 600,000 barrels of oil per day.
"Corn growers
point out that ANWR will run dry one day in the near future, but that
ethanol is renewable. We're eager to fully develop ethanol, not only
as a benefit to corn growers, but to benefit consumers and contribute
to America's national security."
Last reviewed
May 18, 2001
|