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News from Rep. Stephanie Herseth
For Immediate Release
Contact: Russ Levsen, 202-226-4449

HERSETH ANNOUNCES HISTORIC BIOFUELS LEGISLATION

Biofuels Bill Includes Unprecedented Commitment to Renewable Biofuels as a Way to Reduce Dependence on Foreign Oil, Strengthen our National Security, and Revitalize Rural America

May 11, 2006, Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth today announced the details of her new Biofuels Bill, which includes an unprecedented commitment to renewable biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel. Her bill includes provisions to increase the biofuels mandate, expand the number of vehicles that can run on ethanol, increase the number of E-85 pumps, encourage research and development into new biofuel technologies, and provide financing incentives for cooperative and independent biofuel plants.

Rep. Herseth, who is co-chair of the House Rural Working Group, said, "Renewable biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel are not only a key way to reduce our dependency on foreign oil and strengthen our national security, but they represent an investment in the future of rural America. As patriotic Americans, we can be part of the solution to one of the biggest problems facing our country by making ourselves energy independent, and in the process, we can preserve our way of life in rural America."

Herseth's bill enjoys the most universal support for renewable fuels legislation from the House Democrats ever, including strong support from Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Caucus Chairman Jim Clyburn (D-SC). The bill also represents Herseth's continuing effort to appeal to parts of the country that traditionally have not been supporters of renewable fuels. Last year, Herseth brought Agriculture Committee Chairman Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) to a South Dakota ethanol plant in Wentworth to demonstrate the need for a strong renewable fuels standard as part of the Energy Bill. Following that visit, Goodlatte supported ethanol legislation for the first time.

National Farmers Union President Tom Buis said, "I commend Rep. Herseth for her leadership on this legislation, which offers an unprecedented plan to make our nation energy independent by promoting fuels from the farm. This legislation will strengthen our country's national security and allow producers to a fair price from the marketplace for their products. Agriculture is ready to be part of the solution to our energy crisis and curb our addiction to foreign oil."

Herseth's bill includes four key areas of focus:

1. Increase the biofuels mandate to 20% by 2015. The bill doubles the percentage of renewable fuels sold in America in six years, increasing the amount of renewable fuels by six times. It also ensures that biodiesel and celluosic sources, such as switch grass, are a key part of that increase.
2. Flex-Fuel Vehicles and E-85. The bill provides incentives and requirements to automakers to increase the number of "flex-fuel" vehicles that run on a blend of 85% ethanol (E-85) and increases the number of gas stations that currently offer E-85 and biodiesel.
3. Research and Development. The bill provides federal investment in basic biofuels research to make ethanol production more efficient, develop new feedstock processes, and foster new vehicle efficient technologies.
4. Encourage Diverse Domestic Ownership. The bill provides federal incentives to encourage diverse ownership so that independent, locally-owned facilities and cooperatives can compete with large oil companies.

Herseth added, "Throughout America, families face record gas prices, and rural America particularly hard. Rural America can be a key part of the solution by growing new energy, here at home."

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