| WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Marion Berry (D-AR, 1st) introduced legislation today to help America transition from an oil-based economy to one that also relies on biofuels for ground transportation. His measure requires the Administration to develop an action plan for America to obtain a certain percentage of its ground transportation fuel from biobased sources.
"We cannot solve today's gas crisis without a serious investment in the fuels of tomorrow," said Congressman Berry. "We have an abundance of resources in rural America. We just need the federal government to help our farmers begin to turn these crops into an affordable fuel source. My bill demands action from the Administration and sets clear, long-term goals."
The Biobased Fuel Action Plan Act of 2006 directs the Administration's Biomass Research and Development Board to prepare a biobased fuel action plan within one year of enactment. The detailed plan must ensure that by 2016 at least 10% of the country's ground transportation fuel supply comes from biobased sources and that by 2021 at least 20% comes from biobased sources.
The American consumer will benefit from a plan that expands and diversifies domestic fuel supply, makes America less dependent on foreign oil, and helps stabilize rising fuel costs. The Biobased Fuel Action Plan will also open new markets for farmers and bring greater confidence to investors and entrepreneurs who want to enter the biofuel industry.
"Investing in biofuels is a win-win situation for everyone involved," said Congressman Berry. "America discovers a whole new fuel source, while our agriculture community taps into a market of opportunity."
Biofuels consist of any fuel blend made from plants including corn, soybeans, switch grass, or other types of biomass. It is a renewable energy that does not result in a net increase of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere. |
