Vilsack to sign USDA biofuels MOU with Governor's Biofuels Coalition

February 27, 2011 |

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that he will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to encourage the continued development of bio-based products for energy consumption, animal feed, chemicals and other uses.

Vilsack will sign the MOU with the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition, which was originally formed to provide leadership on ethanol policy development but has since expanded to address issues related to biodiesel, advanced biofuels and other products derived from renewable sources.  Thirty-six states are Coalition members. Copies of the final version of the MOU will be made available on Monday.

The MOU calls for the parties to work together to support President Obama’s May 5, 2009, Biofuels Directive that calls for a reduction in energy consumption derived from fossil fuels.    Specifically, it encourages the parties to address the following issues:

Eliminate obstacles to the development of higher-blend biofuels; develop techniques and systems that make feedstock production sustainable throughout the United States; and increase public understanding of the benefits of agriculture.

USDA is among the forefront of federal efforts to support the development of bio-based fuels. In early February, the Department announced a series of policy changes to increase the production and use of renewable energy. The changes increase the amount of financial assistance available for biorefinery loan guarantees, expand the types of facilities at which bioenergy products can be produced, and, in some cases, provide payments during the retrofitting of biofuels facilities.

More on the story.

Category: Policy

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