ST. LOUIS, Dec. 13, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) commends the Senate for continuing to pave the way toward energy independence by passing comprehensive legislation today that includes a renewable fuel standard (RFS) of 15 billion gallons for corn ethanol.
"The energy bill is a dynamic package that supports the existing industry and looks to the future of energy," said NCGA President Ron Litterer. "This legislation guarantees a robust future market for corn."
NCGA thanks Senate leadership for their diligence in passing this vital national energy security legislation. The measure passed 86-8.
"We thank the leadership for recognizing the future of renewable fuels," said Litterer. "This bill creates a solid foundation for grain-derived ethanol to continue to grow. Our nation's corn growers are committed to producing a supply to meet America's food and fuel needs."
The RFS for corn ethanol is part of a larger standard of 36 billion gallons for all renewable fuels. Provisions in the bill include:
* Requirement of 9 billion gallons of renewable fuels in 2008, progressively increasing to the 36 billion gallon requirement by 2022, including a 1 billion-gallon mandate for biodiesel; * Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for advanced biofuels; * Studies on the feasibility of ethanol pipelines, higher blend levels and the optimization of flex fuel vehicles.
The bill, H.R. 6, now goes back to the House for a final vote and if successful will be sent to the president's desk. Passage of a robust energy bill is the top priority for the NCGA. The organization is optimistic that the president will sign the bill into law.
The National Corn Growers Association's mission is to create and increase opportunities for corn growers. NCGA represents more than 33,000 members and 48 affiliated state organizations and hundreds of thousands of growers who contribute to state checkoff programs. For more information on NCGA, log on to www.ncga.com.