Jim Nussle: “As I communicate with Iowans, they often share their concern about our country's economic vulnerability in regard to its…”

“As I communicate with Iowans, they often share their concern about our country's economic vulnerability in regard to its energy supply. Spikes in oil and gas prices, high utility costs and the dangers of a heavy reliance on foreign suppliers have a very real impact on our rural economy and Iowans' family budgets. I rise today to express my support for the long-awaited, comprehensive energy policy legislation. America's long-term national energy policies must include a focus on developing the renewable sources of energy that can be produced in this country. This energy bill makes farmers in Iowa and other states part of the solution by moving the nation toward a common-sense future that is less dependent on fossil-based sources of energy. With the establishment of an overall Renewable Fuels Standard for motor fuels, significant portions of all U.S. gasoline will be required to contain renewable fuel content, including ethanol and biodiesel. This provision alone will create more than 200,000 jobs over the next decade.”