WASHINGTON – Growth Energy today endorsed legislation introduced by Sens. Tom Harkin, D-IA, and Richard Lugar, R-IN., designed to give American drivers the choice of filling up on low-carbon fuel, like ethanol, by increasing the number of flex fuel vehicles and pumping stations available to consumers. The Consumer Fuels and Vehicles Choice Act is a significant step toward creating green jobs and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by giving American consumers greater access to homegrown renewable fuels as an alternative to foreign oil.
“If we want a low-carbon society, we need to give more American families a choice of low-carbon fuel at the filling stations. Ethanol is that low-carbon fuel, and it is here today. This bill gives consumers a choice at the pump, and Senator Harkin and Senator Lugar deserve our thanks. This is forward-thinking legislation that will make our nation more energy independent, while creating jobs here at home and substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy.
Brazil has become energy independent by increasing production of flex fuel vehicles and giving drivers a choice of ethanol blends at filling stations. President Obama acknowledged Brazil’s success when he recently said that if Brazil can do it, there’s no reason America can’t do it.
The Consumer Fuels and Vehicles Choice Act of 2009 calls for:
* 50 percent of all automobiles manufactured for sale in the United States to be flex fuel capable by 2011;
* 90 percent of all automobiles manufactured for U.S. sale to be flex fuel capable by 2013;
* More blender pumps at retail fueling stations capable of dispensing blends of fuel that contain anywhere from 0 percent ethanol to 85 percent ethanol, and;
* Authorizing grants of up to 50 percent of the cost for installing blender pumps and tanks and other infrastructure needed for selling these fuel blends.
###
About Growth Energy
Growth Energy is a group committed to the promise of agriculture and growing America’s economy through cleaner, greener energy. Growth Energy members recognize America needs a new ethanol approach. Through smart policy reform and a proactive grassroots campaign, Growth Energy promotes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding the use of ethanol in gasoline, decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, and creating American jobs at home. More information can be found at GrowthEnergy.org.