Energy, Renewables Legislation Included in House “100 Hour” Agenda (1-22-07)

Energy and renewable fuels were key legislative issues addressed as House Democrats finalized their “100 Hour Agenda” last week, notes the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6, the Clean EnergyAct of 2007, which would create a renewable energy reserve fund.

“The renewable energy industry is growing and growing fast and corn growers will continue to be a major player in the ethanol industry and will meet other markets as well,” said Ken McCauley, NCGA president. “Corn growers are invigorated as we work to advance the renewable fuels industry as a value to rural communities and the role renewable fuels plays in directing the nation towards energy security.”

The ethanol industry’s growth and new technologies McCauley noted is also producing a valuable co-product dried distiller grains solubles for corn grower’s major market – livestock.

The House is not the only legislative body taking action on renewable fuels early this year. In the first week of January, the Biofuels Security Act, was introduced in the Senate, and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is expected to revisit the issue of outer continental shelf development this week.