Democratic Rural Working Group Unveils Comprehensive Energy Independence Plan

Today I joined Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Democratic Caucus Chairman Jim Clyburn (D-SC), Co-chairs of the Democratic Rural Working Group Stephanie Herseth (D-SD) and Bob Etheridge (D-NC), and the Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee Collin Peterson (D-MN) to unveil a new plan that will help America establish a renewable biofuel source within a decade. Our package would raise the renewable fuels mandate, require automakers to increase the percentage of flex-fuel vehicles, increase investment in biofuels research, and provide federal incentives to help locally-owned biofuel facilities compete with large oil companies.

A biofuels economy is not a far-fetched idea anymore, it is the reality. This proposal will get us there, making sure America meets the goal of energy independence in just a decade.

Our proposal gives American companies the resources and incentives to establish a renewable fuel source domestically. This will create local job opportunities, expand the United States economy, and strengthen our national security. The Democratic proposal stands in stark contrast to efforts by President Bush and leading Republicans in Congress who want to lower tariffs on ethanol imports from countries like Brazil and the Caribbean. Why should we pay other countries for biobased fuels when we can make them right here at home?

Click here for details of our energy independence plan.