A farmer harvests corn for use in making ethanol. (Jim Suhr, Associated Press file)
Re: “Ethanol rules need revamping,” March 12 editorial.
The Denver Post is correct that “the development of alternative fuels and renewable energy are important to the nation’s energy future.” But we are not going to be able to continue advancing the already significant steps taken in biofuels if we repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
It is not clear why The Post holds such antipathy for corn ethanol. The value-added market provided by ethanol has revitalized rural economies, created jobs, provided a lower-cost fuel additive, and greatly reduced the need for taxpayers to subsidize farmers. But the larger question is how The Post believes new technologies using new feedstocks can be commercialized in the absence of the RFS, or without the existing industry creating markets, developing infrastructure, and providing the foundation upon which new technologies will flourish.
The RFS has proven its environmental, energy-security and job-creating benefits time and time again. Now is not the time to go backward on that success.
Bob Dinneen,Washington, D.C.
The writer is president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association.
This letter was published in the March 19 edition.
