WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ethanol and other renewable sources of fuel received a huge boost with the passage Thursday of the first comprehensive national energy strategy in years, according to U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson.

"Illinois stands to play not just a significant but a primary role in the nation's energy policy with the passage of this bill," Rep. Johnson said. "Our farmers will benefit by the new markets created by incentives for the production and sale of ethanol. The coal industry will benefit from $2 billion in incentives for clean coal technology. The bill extends the Wind Production Tax credit, benefiting the largest windpower project in the country that is set to get under way here in the 15th District near Ellsworth. This legislation will pave the way to energy independence, a more stable economy and a cleaner environment."

Proving his support for ethanol, Johnson helped pass a provision requiring that 7.5 billion gallons of renewable fuel content in all US gasoline by 2012 include the cleaner burning fuel additive. This translates into much-needed jobs for Illinois, said Johnson. The Renewable Fuels Association reports that one ethanol plant will expand the economic base of the local economy by $110.2 million, generate an additional $19.6 million of household income, and support the creation of as many as 694 permanent new jobs throughout the entire economy. There are 11 proposed new plants in Illinois.

Rep. Johnson has been a longtime advocate of a progressive energy policy that stresses independence from oil and maximizes renewable energy sources such as ethanol, biomass, wind, solar and hydroelectricity. He has supported higher fuel efficiency standards for vehicles and more research and development of newer, cleaner technologies.

 "We achieve much with this legislation," Rep. Johnson said. "The prosperity of our country requires an affordable and reliable supply of energy and this legislation launches us toward that goal. The benefits are universal but particularly so for grain producers, coal miners and consumers from Eldorado to Dwight."

Some five years in its crafting, the energy policy represents a balance of interests and the first wide-ranging national energy policy in 30 years. The energy bill is expected to help create or maintain nearly 500,000 jobs nationwide, and over 81,954 full-time and part-time jobs in Illinois.

Key provisions of the legislation also address rising gasoline prices by encouraging more domestic production with incentives for a streamlined permit process; establishing standards for energy efficiency in federal buildings, encouraging vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells; and increasing funding for the Department of Transportation's study of higher fuel-efficiency standards.

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