FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 28, 2005

Corn Growers Near Victory with House Passage of Energy Bill
National Corn Growers Association calls bipartisan bill a win for all Americans

ST. LOUIS (July 28, 2005) -- National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Leon Corzine today said House passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 brings the nation a step closer to energy independence and a comprehensive policy for energy use and production. The House passed the measure 275-156.

Corzine said the 7.5-billion-gallon Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) included in the conference report will advance the use of domestically produced renewable fuels, bring much needed jobs to rural America, and enhance U.S. energy independence.

The RFS will begin at 4 billion gallons being blended into the nation’s fuel supply in 2006, and increase to 7.5 billion gallons by 2012.

“The passage of the conference report by the House today has taken us one step closer to the goal line and a victory for all U.S. consumers who will realize the benefits of increased energy independence, improved air quality, and lower gasoline prices through the RFS,” Corzine said.

The ethanol market is the most successful and fastest growing value-added market for farmers. Corzine said the energy bill conference committee sent a positive message on what results from working in a bi-partisan fashion on comprehensive energy policy.

“For more than five years, corn growers have pushed for comprehensive national energy policy that includes an RFS. By working side by side with industry and government we have built the ethanol industry from the ground up,” he said. “Growers throughout the Corn Belt have worked tirelessly in making the case for expanded use of domestic renewable fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, and we are grateful the House action recognizes this need.”

In addition to the RFS, the bill’s tax title:

• Expands the definition of a “small ethanol producer” to 60 million gallons annually
• Extends the tax credit to agri-biodiesel producers until 2008
• Extends the biodiesel excise tax credit through 2008
• Establishes a credit for installing alternative fuel refueling property, including E85 and B20
• Provides for a two-year extension of the wind energy production tax credit
• Establishes three investment tax credits for clean coal facilities, including a 20 percent credit for industrial gasification projects.

The Senate vote on the conference report is expected by the end of the week.

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The National Corn Growers Association’s mission is to create and increase opportunities for corn growers. NCGA represents nearly 33,000 members, 45 affiliated state organizations and hundreds of thousands of growers who contribute to state checkoff programs. For more information, log on to www.ncga.com.

ST. LOUIS OFFICE

WASHINGTON D.C. OFFICE