The first major economic challenge of the 21st century is the availability and affordability of energy. Congress has the responsibility to make sure that rural America has the tools available to help deal with energy price volatility. We must develop a coordinated policy to use the country's need for a source of clean, renewable energy and an agriculture policy that helps Tennessee's family farms. This is an important part of the energy challenge.

Ethanol plays a vital role in this energy picture. Recently in Oak Ridge, I helped dedicate a new refueling station to provide alternative ethanol-85 fuel to Department of Energy vehicles. E-85 is a mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. If widely used, this "home grown, clean fuel" technology will go far in helping America's corn, grass, and biomass producers. Tennessee switch grass producers will also benefit from expanding E-85 use.

If we grow and use more switch grass, Tennessee farmers stand to benefit. As co-chairman of the House Renewable and Energy Efficiency Caucus, I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to expand America's market for renewable fuels.