Governors' Biofuels Coalition

Thirty members of the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition have issued a letter to all of the members of Congress proclaiming support for the federal renewable fuels standard (RFS) in its current form, the Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB) said today.

“As governors who see firsthand the impact that the RFS has had on our states, we urge you to reject any modifications to the RFS,” the letter said. “By intentionally using misinformation, biofuels opponents damage the nation’s economy, environment, and energy security.”

The IBB praised the letter as “a bold statement of refusal to back down to the unrelenting false accusations leveled by opponents of biofuels.”

“This vigorous show of support for the RFS gives those fighting for biodiesel a much needed shot in the arm,” said IBB Executive Director Randy Olson. “It shows that our elected leaders see through the ploys of opponents who want to stay with the status quo of our destructive addiction to foreign oil. We hope all members of Congress heed the message.”

The letter mentioned that a poll recently commissioned by the Renewable Fuels Association showed that 64% of Americans support RFS. It also noted that Congress strengthened the RFS in 2007 by including advanced biofuels like biodiesel.

“We’re proud of the fact that since the passage of the RFS, the United States has reversed the course of our dependence on imported oil,” Olson said. “While this trend is not due to biofuels alone, it underscores the value of a diversified energy portfolio. Biodiesel is helping our country achieve what many of us at one time could only dream of — domestic energy security in our lifetime.”

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad (R) is chairman of the coalition. He signed the letter along with Illinois Governor Pat Quinn (D).

 

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