Gilbert Gutknecht: “I strongly support H.R. 4017 because it is a win win-win proposition. Americans win with cleaner air. We win with…”

“I strongly support H.R. 4017 because it is a win win-win proposition. Americans win with cleaner air. We win with greater energy independence. And, we win with higher farm income and a stronger rural economy. As one who fought for the 5.4 cent ethanol blenders' tax credit and as one who originally cosponsored H.R. 4017, I want to commend my colleagues in the 105th Congress for their outstanding record of achievement in the advancement of renewable fuels. It was the 105th Congress that extended the critical ethanol blenders' tax credit to the year 2007, and it is this Congress which now proposes to formally recognize biodiesel as an alternative fuel. Biodiesel is proven to reduce harmful air pollutants--and does it without imposing costly and burdensome regulations. Biodiesel will build on ethanol's success by further reducing our dependence on foreign energy making America's future more secure. And, biodiesel promises to add between seven and ten cents per bushel to the price of soybeans. That's good news if you come from Mankato, Minnesota where we crush more beans each day than anywhere else on Earth. Mr. Speaker, this is an especially good day for Minnesota farmers and I want to compliment my good friend and colleague, Congressman John Shimkus, for his leadership throughout the 105th Congress in making it possible. I am proud to be an original sponsor of this legislation and I urge its adoption.”