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25x'25 supports biofuels as a part of America's new energy futureRenewable Energy Alliance lauds comments from Bodman, Schafer The National 25x'25 Renewable Energy Alliance said June 12 that policy leaders should support the development of biofuels as a major part of a new energy future for this country. "America is looking for a new energy future; one that is cleaner; improves national security; and strengthens the economy and contributes positively to the quality of life of all," said Bill Richards, a former chief of the USDA Soil Conservation Service and a co-chair of the National 25x'25 Steering Committee. "Renewable forms of energy, including biofuels, address all of these objectives." Richard's statement comes as the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee convenes to consider the relationship between U.S. renewable fuels policy and food prices. "Meeting our nation's growing demand for energy will require a wide array of resources including renewable sources," Richards said, citing wind energy, solar power, geothermal energy, hydropower, biomass and biofuels. "Biofuels are currently our only option for renewable liquid transportation fuel. We ask our policymakers and those who attempt to influence them to look at biofuels in a measured and comprehensive manner, recognizing that while not perfect, they provide a critical pathway to a sustainable, cleaner and more secure energy future." Richards also cited studies done by analysts in both the pubic and private sectors that show current biofuels-related feedstock demand plays only a small role in global food supply and pricing. Moreover, the impact of biofuels on U.S. consumers is even smaller since the farm price of commodities accounts for less than twenty percent of U.S. consumers' food costs. Furthermore, he said biofuel production is a significant factor in reaching the goal of meeting 25 percent of our nation's energy needs with renewable resources by 2025. "Reaching the 25x'25 goal would have an extremely favorable impact on rural America and the nation as a whole. The projected annual impact on the nation from producing and converting feedstocks into energy would be in excess of $700 billion in new economic activity and creation of 5.1 million jobs in 2025, most of that in rural areas," Richards said. The 25x'25 co-chair lauded comments sent jointly to the committee by Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman and Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer, who reinforced longstanding 25x'25 positions that biofuels reduce our dependence on foreign oil and contribute significantly to a cleaner environment. Federal analysts say that without biofuels, gas prices would jump another 20 cents to 35 cents per gallon, moderating gasoline prices. That impact is likely to grow substantially as more biofuels come to market, with increased biofuel production saving gas expenditures of $28 billion to $49 billion based on annual gasoline consumption of roughly 140 billion gallons. For a typical household, that means saving about $150 to $300 per year. For further information, contact Richards at 740-474-1825, or 740-412-1593. 25x'25 is a diverse alliance of agricultural, forestry, environmental, conservation and other organizations and businesses that are working collaboratively to advance the goal of securing 25 percent of the nation's energy needs from renewable sources by the year 2025. 25x'25 is led by a national steering committee composed of volunteer leaders. The 25x'25 goal has been endorsed by nearly 700 partners, 29 Governors, 15 state legislatures and the U.S. Congress through HR6 which was signed into law by President Bush on December 19, 2007. 8/11/08 Date: 8/4/08
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