Ethanol Key to Gas Pump Relief

Ethanol Key to Gas Pump Relief
STRAIGHT TALK WITH SAM

Volume 5, Issue 36, September 5, 2005

Gas prices are on everyone's mind as we head into the fall. Families, truckers, schools and anyone else who relies on transportation has felt the pinch at the pump. Our nation is 62% dependent on foreign sources of oil and we have to find ways to reduce that dependence.

One of the solutions to our current problem is grown right here in Northwest Missouri. Along with conservation and increasing the domestic production of oil, America must invest in alternative sources of energy.

In July, the House and Senate finally passed an Energy bill. For the first time in over 30 years we finally have an Energy plan in this country.

The bill would add an additional seven and half billion gallons per year of ethanol and other renewable fuels to U.S gasoline supplies by 2012. The Renewable Fuels Association reports that Missouri has the capacity to provide 100 million gallons of ethanol a year. Ethanol is a cleaner burning fuel than gasoline and one of its primary ingredients, corn, is grown on farms right here in Missouri.

Depending on foreign sources of oil is not only expensive, but it is dangerous. The bill provides tax incentives for cleaner fuels while helping developing power from wind, hydro, biomass and fuel cells.

We must continue to develop alternative sources of energy. Ethanol and bio-diesel are good for the environment, good for consumers and good for producers. I would much rather rely on Missouri farmers than Saudi Arabia for our energy needs.

http://www.house.gov/graves/straighttalk/2005issue36.htm