This week Sen. Thune and I sent a letter to President George Bush asking him to direct the Environmental Protection Agency to approve appropriate higher blends of ethanol, such as E15, E20, and E30 in a safe and timely manner.

With consideration of a new farm bill as well as a new energy bill well underway, ethanol and renewable fuels are at the forefront of the discussion. And, while we’ve seen a tremendous jump in knowledge, promotion and usage of renewable fuels, there remain very real barriers. In the absence of widespread E85 use at this time, it’s important to ensure a market for today’s ethanol production.

Earlier this fall, I sent letters to several Southern governors asking that they remove their states’ fuel regulations that impede the blending and use of ethanol. Every gallon of ethanol we use gets us closer to weaning the United States off foreign oil. It makes common sense to do everything we can to use renewable energy sources like ethanol. And, with crude oil at nearly $100 a barrel, it makes sense for their consumers.