Thomas Daschle: “As a long-time supporter of domestically produced renewable fuels, I am very interested in encouraging the Department of…”

“As a long-time supporter of domestically produced renewable fuels, I am very interested in encouraging the Department of Energy to do whatever it can to promote the development of new and more efficient processes for converting plant material into practical transportation fuels. It is my understanding that DOE consistently funds the Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research--known as CPBR--although at levels below which it can use. The work of this consortium of university researchers has lead to significant progress in more efficiently utilizing plants and plant waste for the production of renewable fuels and of bringing these research innovations to the market. It is my hope that DOE will be willing to fund CPBR at between $2 and $3 million in fiscal year 1998. Do you agree that DOE should give special consideration to funding CPBR at that level?”