Thank you for contacting me regarding federal support of ethanol production. I greatly appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.

Biofuels – transportation fuels produced from organic materials – have the potential to become a major source of renewable energy in America, and present important opportunities for our farmers to thrive in a clean energy economy. To reduce our dependence on imported oil and decrease greenhouse gas emissions, the federal government supports tax incentives, loans, and grants to encourage biofuel production. Likewise, the federal Renewable Fuel Standard requires a minimum amount of biofuels to be used in our national fuel supply by 2022.

Currently, corn-based ethanol and oil seed-based biodiesel account for the largest share of national biofuel production. When mixed with fossil fuels, these biofuels have the potential to improve our national energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, biofuels from food-based crops may also increase the cost of food for consumers and feed for livestock producers in North Carolina. Similarly, biofuels from food crops may result in increased deforestation internationally, which may increase total greenhouse gas emissions.

I strongly believe it is essential to decrease our reliance on foreign oil in order to meet emerging environmental challenges and enhance our national security. In order to do so, we must increase domestic energy production and continue to identify ways to use our energy resources more efficiently. In 2009, I supported the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Recovery Act funds have since been used to support North Carolina-based initiatives to develop and manufacture advanced battery and electric vehicle components. I also supported University-led research into next-generation biofuels that utilize non-food crops and will originate in North Carolina. These investments will create good jobs in our state and help reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

As your United States Senator, I will support a comprehensive energy strategy that will address vital environmental and energy independence concerns while enhancing American economic competitiveness. I will continue to monitor ethanol production in the United States and will take your thoughts and concerns into account while considering any future energy legislation.