Today in Biofuels Opinion: “Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has provided an excellent example of why government should simply stay out of telling the private sector how to conduct business.”

From the News-Register: “Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has provided an excellent example of why government should simply stay out of telling the private sector how to conduct business. On Monday, Vilsack suggested that the Environmental Protection Agency should increase the amount of ethanol that refiners can blend with petroleum-based gasoline. The limit now is 10 percent; Vilsack wants 15 percent…Never mind that Vilsack’s suggestion may not be good for consumers. It apparently is enough for him that it will make him popular with farmers – and with the unrealistic “green” crowd that won’t accept any argument against increased use of ethanol. We can only hope that the EPA’s idea of “the best available science” includes consulting economists and engine designers instead of merely doing the politically correct thing.

National Farmers Union President Tom Buis in GrainNet: “Rural America has an unprecedented ability to expand energy production and be part of the solution to global climate change. Production of fuels from renewable materials has spurred economic growth in rural communities that have experienced economic decline. America’s farmers also combat climate change by sequestering and storing carbon dioxide. Any legislation should recognize this contribution of rural America and facilitate its growth.”

Free Subscription to the Daily Biofuels Digest e-newsletter

Related Stories

Obama to appoint former Iowa Gov. Vilsak as Secretary of Agriculture, Sen. Salazar of Colorado as Secretary of Interior

In Washington, President-elect Barack Obama is expected to announce today that former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack will be appointed as Secretary of Agriculture, and Colorado Senator Ken Salazar will be ...

Former Iowa Gov. Vilsack tipped as Agriculture Secretary

In Washington, anonymous advisers close to president-elect Obama have identified former Iowa Governo Tom Vilsack as the front-runner for Secretary of Agriculture. The governor, according to clustersto...

US Agricultural Sectretary Vilsack aims for Philippine-US research partnership for biofuels

In the Philippines, US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said that the US is hoping to partner with the Philippines on biofuel research. "We are looking at a relationship and partnership with the Phil...

Today in Biofuels Opinion: “President-elect Barack Obama’s choice of former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack may be a boon for ethanol research.”

From BH Pioneer: "President-elect Barack Obama’s choice of former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack as the next secretary of agriculture may be a boon for ethanol research. Vilsack has been a leading proponent ...

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack says farm-based carbon offsets will be critical to success of climate plan

In Washington, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack testified before the Senate Environmental Committee on the climate bill, and said that engaging farmers and ranchers through carbon-offset programs was...

Today in Biofuels Opinion: “Obama has also stayed true to his hard-line position against big agricultural subsidies by nominating Vilsack.”

From alibi.com: "That [Tom] Vilsack is a proponent of ethanol and biotech shouldn't come as a surprise, as Obama campaigned on the same page...while some had hoped that the president-elect was simply ...