Coalition Welcomes Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Iowa Governor Terry Branstad as the Coalition’s New Leadership Team
Source: Governors' Biofuels Coalition • Posted: Monday, February 3, 2014
The Coalition today welcomed Illinois Governor Pat Quinn as the new chairman and Iowa Governor Terry Branstad as the new vice chairman of Governors’ Biofuels Coalition.
“The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has been a tremendous economic engine for Illinois, the Coalition’s member states and the nation,” Governor Quinn said. “The RFS has delivered lower gasoline prices, thousands of American jobs, and cleaner air.”
“Illinois and Iowa are the top producers of renewable fuel crops, and my friend Governor Branstad and I intend to continue leading the charge for a more energy independent future for our nation that utilizes American agricultural products,” Governor Quinn said.
“The RFS remains the best policy framework to support the national production and use of all biofuels for years to come,” said Governor Branstad. “It is the only national energy policy that measurably and cost-effectively reduces emissions from the transportation sector. We cannot waiver from this course that has benefited millions of Americans. Our unified message in support of the RFS is vital,” said Governor Branstad.
Branstad continued, “We will be working with our Coalition colleagues on several recommendations to the President and Congress that can help the nation overcome the economic and security challenges of imported oil dependence. The combination of more increased biofuels use, more efficient vehicles, and expanded domestic oil production have for the first time in 40 years put the goal of energy independence within our reach. However, we must send a clear message that without cost-effective, sustainable biofuels we won’t get the job done. Advancing biofuels use will also continue to expand economic opportunities and job creation in all of our states, while lowering government budget deficits and advancing sustainable fuel production for the long term.”
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For 16 years, the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition has provided regional and national leadership on biofuels policy development. The bipartisan Coalition is comprised governors from across the nation. The governors share a concern that the nation’s dependence on imported petroleum is both economically and environmentally unsustainable, and presents an unacceptable risk to our national security. The Coalition’s policy activities address all aspects of biofuels development and use. For more information, visit www.GovernorsBiofuelsCoalition.org.
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