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ACGA endorses Fuels Security Act of 2003: Peterson-Osborne initiative essential to national security, environmental enhancement and rural economy

(Tuesday, March 18, 2003 -- CropChoice news) -- The following is a news release.

Contact: Larry Mitchell (202) 835-0330
www.acga.org

WASHINGTON -The American Corn Growers Association (ACGA) has endorsed the Fuels Security Act of 2003 (H.R. 837), introduced last month in the U.S. House by Representatives Collin Peterson, D-Minn., and Tom Osborne, R-Neb. The new legislation is a companion bill to S. 385, introduced last month by Senators Thomas Daschle, D-S.D., and Richard Lugar, R-Ind., and 14 cosponsors.

ACGA President Keith Dittrich, a corn farmer from Tilden, Neb., commended Congressmen Peterson and Osborne, sponsors of the bipartisan initiative, for their action. "As the debate on energy moves forward in the U.S. Congress, we believe one of the goals of energy independence should be to promote the production of renewable domestic fuels. We believe an extraordinary opportunity is at hand to increase energy independence, reduce oil imports, improve our environment and stimulate rural economies."

The measure mirrors legislation passed last year in the Senate. It will establish a Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which will capitalize on the nation's growing bio-fuel industry, expanding the use of these domestic, "home-grown" fuels to 5 billion gallons per year by 2012. "ACGA fully understands that the initiatives in this bill will greatly benefit America's farm families," said Dittrich. "Requirements for a portion of the nation's motor fuel to come from domestic, renewable bio-based sources will make this nation less dependent on imported oil and will give additional market opportunities and flexibility to farmers of corn, soybeans, and other crops."

The American Corn Growers Association represents 14,000 members in 35 states. See http://www.acga.org.