Obama says advanced biofuels a part of making America "number one again"

September 9, 2011 |

In Washington,  President Obama said that building the the next generation of manufacturing, including advanced biofuels, is “how America can be number one again.  And that’s how America will be number one again,’ as he presented a $447 billion jobs package to the Congress. His proposal also called for a national infrastructure bank capitalized with $10 billion, to provide loans for transportation, water, and energy facilities. The loans and guarantees would be paid for through tolls, fees, or other direct revenue sources.

The president’s speech, in its entirety, is here.

Industry reaction

Coskata

“President Obama’s continued dedication to clean transportation fuels and investing in American infrastructure sends a clear message that cellulosic ethanol and other fuels will be around for the long-term and that there is a genuine commitment to help deploy commercial-ready advanced biofuels technology,” said Wes Bolsen, chief marketing officer and vice president of government affairs of Coskata, Inc.  “The President recognizes the potential cellulosic ethanol has to create new jobs, and stimulate economic growth. Instead of spending $560 billion annually on foreign oil, we’ll be able to invest that money in rural areas and create the next great American industry.”

Novozymes

Novozymes applauds President Obama for presenting a bold vision for job creation and economic growth for the United States, and specifically recognizing the opportunity in commercializing the domestic advanced biofuels industry. “If we provide the right incentives and support – and if we make sure our trading partners play by the rules – we can be the ones to build everything from fuel-efficient cars to advanced biofuels to semiconductors that are sold all over the world.  That’s how America can be number one again.  That’s how America will be number one again,” said President Obama tonight.

Currently over 200 biorefineries in 29 states have directly created more than 70,000 quality jobs and sustain more than 400,000 total jobs across the economy. Total job creation from advanced biofuels production, accounting for multiplier effects, could reach 123,000 by 2012 and over 800,000 by 2022. Novozymes, a biotechnology company and world leader in bioinnovation, is already contributing to the growth of the bio-economy, along with our partners, while continuing to invest and create jobs in America.

National Biodiesel Board

“We were thrilled to hear President Obama reaffirm his support for Advanced biofuels,” said Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs at the National Biodiesel Board. “As the only commercial scale Advanced biofuel that’s produced nationwide today, biodiesel is proof that strong domestic energy policy and incentives can create good paying American Jobs.”
“Even in this economy, our industry is experiencing a boom. We’re on pace to produce more biodiesel than ever before. We strongly encourage Congress to follow through with a green jobs package that includes the biodiesel tax incentive that gets people back to work.”

Category: Fuels

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