Bio Fuel, Bio Diesel and New Energy Information

Thoughts on Ethanol

Date 4/28/2005 12:00 AM | Topic: Letters to the Editor

Should Iowa adopt a renewable fuel standard that would require ethanol to be part of every gallon of fuel used on our highways?  Iowans have long talked about how this measure could boost our economy.  Iowans have debated the issue but the Iowa Senate is being prevented from having the same debate.  That's why I'm asking for your help to get this issue before the Iowa Senate.

Big oil is preventing this debate.  Ethanol opponents deride the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Farm Bureau for supporting a renewable fuel standard by saying that their efforts on behalf of ethanol are "feel good politics."  However, Iowa's U.S. Senators, Republican Chuck Grassley and Democrat Tom Harkin, both strongly disagree.  Senators Grassley and Harkin have told me that moving forward on the state level will help their efforts to promote ethanol at the national level.

We should consider every idea that would expand markets for our corn producers and enhance the growth potential for rural Iowa.  Ethanol can help put more of our economic future in our own hands and make consumers less dependent on high priced foreign oil.

Opponents say that the votes are not there to pass setting a renewable fuel standard.  I disagree.  Twenty of 25 Democratic Senators have promised to vote yes.  If just six of the 25 Republican senators join us, this pro-ethanol, pro-Iowa economy measure will pass.

I am willing to accept the vote of the Senate, but I can't accept simply dodging this issue and dodging our responsibility to lead.  Please urge your Senator and Republican Senate Co-Leader Stewart Iverson to bring the question of expanding Iowa's ethanol industry to the floor of the Iowa Senate.
 
Sincerely,
Senator Jack Kibbie, Senate Co-President
Emmetsburg, Iowa
 
For any questions please contact Senator Kibbie at 515-281-5993

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