July 15, 2010
Ethanol proponents announce plan that eventually would end federal subsidies
Published in Argus Leader
Ethanol proponents today called for the redirection and eventual end for federal subsidies for the industry, in return for a level playing field - infrastructure investments that will create competition in the fuels market and give consumers true freedom to choose their fuel.
Members of Growth Energy, a coalition of ethanol producers including Sioux Falls-based Poet, said today’s announcement represents a fundamental shift in policy that, if supported vigorously in Congress, would end supports in five years.
The “Fueling Freedom” plan calls for the phasing out of current ethanol supports, then redirecting a portion of those funds to build out the infrastructure for the distribution and use of ethanol, and shifting the remaining portion away from the oil companies to opening the market.
“We are confident that in a fair and open market, ethanol can and will compete successfully against oil,” said Tom Buis, Growth Energy’s chief executive officer. “Creating that competitive market will save money for both taxpayers and motorists, since it takes the control out of the hands of Big Oil and puts it into the hands of the consumer.”
The plan calls for infrastructure help for biofuels pipelines, more blender pump fueling stations and the construction of more flex-fuel vehicles ...
