August 17, 2010

U.S. ethanol can replace OPEC oil immediately

The Open Market Plan put forward by Growth Energy is a bold new plan that will lead to removing this nation’s dependence on oil produced by countries that wish to destroy our way of life.

For decades, politicians have been calling for the nation to cut our dependence on foreign oil. However, these same politicians have done little to get us there. The real issue is our vehicles and fuel dispensers that are addicted to oil. The consumer has no choice at the pump and a limited choice when purchasing cars. Growth Energy’s plan would give the choice back to the consumer.

The government has been instrumental in building infrastructure throughout history. Support for pipelines, creation of flood control and power generation, and the interstate highways all are examples of government expanding infrastructure for the good of a nation. The Senate needs to continue this tradition and commit to building a fueling infrastructure to allow consumers to choose how much ethanol they wish to use. The Senate needs to ensure that vehicles are capable of running on the most efficient fuel mix.

Last week, the government released new trade numbers putting our trade deficit at more than $42 billion. We spend $300 billion on oil imports yearly to satisfy our addiction. It is not that we do not export enough goods and services from our country. We import too much oil. Our economy needs to keep those dollars within our borders to grow our economy, not the economies of our enemies.

Growth Energy’s proposal of an Open Market Plan is the answer. The ethanol industry is the only answer available today. We can replace all OPEC oil. The time is now. To read more about this plan, visit www.growthenergy.org/fuelingfreedom

STEVEN R. McNINCH
Oakley, Kan.