[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 106 (Monday, July 19, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1358]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CONGRESS SHOULD SUPPORT ETHANOL PRODUCTION

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                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 19, 2010

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, Members of Congress are working 
to remedy the current economic imbalance, immense unemployment, job 
creation and both domestic and international energy-based issues. As we 
look to the future; we must confront the many dimensions of these 
complex needs responsibly, to create solutions that will have a lasting 
positive benefit for America. I believe investing in renewable energy 
sources, including ethanol is an efficient and effective stimulus. 
Ethanol serves as an aid to meet energy policy goals by promoting 
domestic production of renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas 
emissions and providing financial support for the agriculture sector.
  Nationwide, ethanol has increased tax revenues for both State and 
local governments by over $5 billion. Ethanol production and use today 
reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to gasoline by 59 percent. 
According to the Congressional Budget Office report as of this July, 
the Argonne National Lab concluded corn-based ethanol produced 20 
percent less greenhouse gas emissions in its life cycle compared to 
gasoline and petroleum diesel. Ethanol production contributed $53.3 
billion to the nation's Gross Domestic Product and created over 200,000 
jobs in all sectors of the economy. The State of Illinois produces over 
1.5 billion gallons of ethanol annually and is ranked third in ethanol 
production with 14 facilities. Just as ethanol has been a valuable tool 
for the State of Illinois, I strongly believe support for this 
renewable energy source can be a great benefit for the Nation.
  Our current state of our economy is not sustainable. It is imperative 
we structure our energy infrastructure in a sustainable manner while 
simultaneously reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. Investing in 
ethanol and other renewable energy sources are an important piece of 
our Nation's economic and energy future.

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