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Kaptur Calls for a Renewable Fuel Standard

Date: March 17, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Energy


KAPTUR CALLS FOR A RENEWABLE FUELS STANDARD
Mar 17, 2005

Bill Would Increase Production by 2010

WASHINGTON-Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) introduced a bill today calling for a renewable fuels standard that would increase the production and use of domestic renewable fuels including ethanol, biodiesel, and fuels produced from cellulosic ethanol. The standards would require at least ten percent ethanol and five percent biodiesel be blended into the nation's fuel supply by the end of 2010.

"Freedom for America in the 21st century should mean freedom from dependence on imported petroleum," said Kaptur. "America's reliance on imported petroleum creates a major strategic vulnerability for the nation. The benefits of biofuels are three-fold: economic security, energy security and environmental security."

Based on current numbers, these standards would require 13.6 billion gallons of ethanol and 2.3 billion gallons of biodiesel be blended into gasoline. This is twice as much as the bill introduced in the Senate yesterday by Senators Richard Lugar (R-IN) and Tom Harkin (D-IA).

"Renewable fuels using alternative, domestic agricultural sources, such as ethanol and biodiesel hold the potential to address America's dependence on foreign energy sources immediately," continued Kaptur. "We need to set ambitious goals so we are not held hostage to our dependence on foreign oil."

In 2004, the United States produced 3.4 billion gallons of ethanol and 40 million gallons of biodiesel. Current immediate biodiesel production capacity is estimated to be 150 million gallons per year. This capacity can be doubled or tripled in less than 12 months.

As a member of the Subcommittee on Agricultural Appropriations, Congresswoman Kaptur has been a leader for programs for the development and increased use of alternative fuels derived from renewable resources. Today's measure partners with Kaptur's Biofuels Energy Independence Act of 2005 (H.R. 388) - legislation that provides greater federal assistance for the construction and marketing of biofuels.

http://wwwc.house.gov/kaptur/PressRelease.aspx?NewsID=1358

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