Start of Senate Floor Debate on Energy Bill Good Step Forward,
NCGA Notes (6-14-05)
Senate debate
on S. 10, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, is a positive step forward
in the process of achieving a national energy policy, according
to the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). The Senate debate
begins today on the bill, which contains an 8-billion gallon renewable
fuels standard by 2012.
NCGA continued
its drive this week for an energy policy that uses domestic renewable
fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, by calling on its grassroots
to contact their senators urging passage of S. 10. In addition,
NCGA sent a letter June 13 to all senators supporting the energy
bill. The Senate debate is expected to last two weeks.
“By bringing
the bill to the floor for consideration, the Senate has an opportunity
to make an historic statement confirming the importance of an energy
policy that includes a renewable fuels standard,” said Leon
Corzine, NCGA president. “A comprehensive energy policy that
will steer us toward domestically grown fuels rather than foreign
imported oil will in the end reduce natural gas and gasoline prices,
stabilize our national economy, create much needed jobs, and lead
us forward in bettering our environment for future generations.”
The 8-billion-gallon
RFS adopted by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
in May will ensure future growth of the renewable fuels industry
in this country. NCGA has urged the Senate to include in the comprehensive
energy legislation provisions that will expand the production and
use of ethanol as well as expand domestic production and construction
of infrastructure for natural gas and other energy resources.
Meanwhile, the
tax title to the energy bill is expected to be marked up on Thursday
by the Senate Finance Committee.