NCGA Supports National Security and Bioenergy Bill (6-10-06)
The National
Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Leon Corzine expressed
support Thursday for S. 1210 the National Security and Bioenergy
Investment Act of 2005 which would rapidly expand the growing market
of biobased products and increase the procurement of those products
by the federal government and its contractors. Sens. Tom Harkin
(D-Iowa) and Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) introduced the bill June 9.
In their support of the bill, the associations said biobased products
represent a potentially large market for corn and soybean growers.
Growth in the industry would bring new products and aid in investment
to rural communities. Plastics, solvents, packaging in addition
to other consumer goods can be provided by U.S.-grown crops instead
of petroleum.
“The procurement of biobased products promotes energy and
environmental security,” the letter states. “Products
made from corn and soybeans could replace a variety of items currently
produced from petroleum, and aid in reducing dependence on imported
oil.”
The letter points out other benefits of biobased products, including
the reduction of petroleum imports by more than 140 million barrels
of oil due to increased ethanol and biodiesel production, generation
of fewer greenhouse gases than what is created by traditional petroleum-based
products, in addition to new jobs, economic growth and market opportunities.
The letter encourages supporting the development of new markets
for corn and soybeans to help to revitalize rural economies.
To read the letter in its entirety, please click here.
Visit the NCGA
Legislative Action Center to view the legislation, or click on the
following link S.
1210.