WASHINGTON–()–The Advanced Biofuels Association, the Algal Biomass Organization,
Airlines for America, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the
Biotechnology Industry Organization, Growth Energy, and the Pew
Charitable Trusts today expressed disappointment that the Senate Armed
Services Committee adopted amendments to the National Defense
Authorization Act blocking the Department of Defense’s (DoD) use of
domestically produced alternative energy.
“We will work with Members of the Senate to restore support within the
NDAA for the DoD’s commitment to accelerate production of American-made,
advanced, ‘drop-in’ biofuels for use in military jets, ships, and
vehicles.”
The groups released this joint statement:
“Continued reliance on foreign oil puts U.S. national security at risk.
Oil market volatility has already wreaked havoc on military budgets,
which came at the cost of new equipment and training for our troops and
reduced military readiness. In fiscal years 2011 and 2012, DoD came up
$5.6 billion short in its budget for military operations and maintenance
because it spent more on fuel than anticipated. Moreover, the United
States sends $1 billion overseas each and every day to pay for foreign
oil, further draining resources from the U.S. economy.
“U.S. advanced biofuel producers have made rapid progress toward
cost-competitiveness. The per-gallon cost of test quantities of advanced
biofuels under DoD contracts has declined more than 90 percent over the
past two years and will continue to decline as these technologies scale
to commercial production. DoD’s efforts to reduce use of foreign oil and
increase use of American biofuels can lead the nation’s effort to
achieve energy security.
“We will work with Members of the Senate to restore support within the
NDAA for the DoD’s commitment to accelerate production of American-made,
advanced, ‘drop-in’ biofuels for use in military jets, ships, and
vehicles.”
About ABFA
As a leading voice for America’s domestic biofuels industry, the
Advanced Biofuels Association, ABFA, represents companies deploying
advanced and renewable technologies that are helping drive America’s new
economy by creating jobs, reducing our dependence on foreign oil and
fossil fuels while fueling a sustainable future for the world. A
national organization based in Washington, D.C., the ABFA supports
federal investment while encouraging public policies that are
consistent, technology neutral, utilize sustainable feedstocks and offer
subsidy parity. For more information http://www.advancedbiofuelsassociation.com/.
About the Algal Biomass Organization
The Algal Biomass Organization (ABO) is a 501 c(6) non-profit whose
mission is to promote the development of viable commercial markets for
renewable and sustainable commodities derived from algae. Its membership
is comprised of people, companies and organizations across the value
chain. More information about ABO, including its leadership, membership,
costs, benefits and members and their affiliations, is available at the
website: www.algalbiomass.org.
About A4A
Annually, commercial aviation helps drive more than $1 trillion in U.S.
economic activity and nearly 10 million U.S. jobs. A4A airline members
and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline
passenger and cargo traffic. For more information about the airline
industry, visit www.airlines.org
and follow us on Twitter @airlinesdotorg.
About American Farm Bureau Federation
AFBF is the unified national voice of agriculture, working through our
grassroots organizations to enhance and strengthen the lives of rural
Americans and to build strong, prosperous agricultural communities.
About BIO
BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic
institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations
across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members
are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare,
agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO
also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest
gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading
investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtech
NOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling
“innovations transforming our world.” Subscribe
to BIOtech NOW.
About Growth Energy
Growth Energy represents the producers and supporters of ethanol who
feed the world and fuel America in ways that achieve energy
independence, improve economic well-being and create a healthier
environment for all Americans now.
Article source: http://eon.businesswire.com/news/eon/20120524006467/en/Sen.-John-McCain/Sen.-James-Inhofe/Senate-Armed-Services-Committee
