Biofuels will increase U.S. energy independence.

Press Release Summary:



According to Energy Information Administration's 2009 Annual Energy Outlook, increasing domestic production of advanced biofuels to meet or exceed goals of Renewable Fuel Standard can significantly reduce U.S. reliance on petroleum. Brent Erickson, EVP of BIO's Industrial and Environmental Section, commented that U.S.-produced biofuel combined with fuel efficiency will allow nation to meet growing transportation energy needs without increasing imports of oil.



Original Press Release:



Annual Energy Outlook Confirms That Biofuels Will Increase U.S. Energy Independence



WASHINGTON, D.C. (Friday, December 19, 2008) - Increasing domestic production of advanced biofuels to meet or exceed the goals of the Renewable Fuel Standard can significantly reduce U.S. reliance on petroleum. Brent Erickson, executive vice president of the Biotechnology Industry Organization's Industrial & Environmental Section, today released comments on the Energy Information Administration's 2009 Annual Energy Outlook:

"U.S.-produced biofuel combined with fuel efficiency will allow the nation to meet growing transportation energy needs without increasing imports of oil. That is a surprising conclusion from the Energy Information Administration, whose Annual Energy Outlook projections use the most conservative assumptions. The current projection demonstrates that if the United States were to meet or exceed the targets set in the Renewable Fuel Standard, we could begin to decrease our reliance on all petroleum, create jobs and boost rural economies, and significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions.

"There are more than 30 existing and planned cellulosic biorefineries set to begin production of advanced biofuels in the next few years. Many other projects and promising technologies are on the drawing board. These pioneer cellulosic biofuel facilities will prove that the technology works and that the industry can meet the goals established in the Renewable Fuel Standard. With oil prices set to rise again, per the projections, the need for domestically produced advanced biofuels should remain a priority for U.S. policymakers and consumers."

A map of these cellulosic biofuel facilities is available on the web at http://biofuelsandclimate.wordpress.com/about/.

The Advanced Biofuels & Climate Change Information Center presents the latest commentary and data on the environmental, greenhouse gas and other impacts of biofuel production. Drop in and add your comments, at biofuelsandclimate.wordpress.com/.

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