Working To Achieve 'Twenty In Ten'

WORKING TO ACHIEVE ‘TWENTY IN TEN'

In President Bush's first State of the Union address delivered to the new majority in Congress, he talked about both domestic and international issues facing our nation. I thought the President's vision was encouraging as he stressed throughout his speech the importance of both political parties putting aside their differences to accomplish results for the American people.

As an advocate for increased use and production of renewable fuels, I especially liked the goals outlined by the President concerning our nation's energy policies. Reducing the consumption of fossil fuels will be among my top priorities as a member of the House Agriculture and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committees. Both committees will allow me to work on important initiatives to achieve the President's "Twenty in Ten" proposal.

This proposal seeks to reduce U.S. gasoline consumption by 20 percent over the next ten years through conservation and the use of new and emerging technologies. From our farms to our highways, the promise of these new technologies is extremely exciting.

But reducing U.S. gasoline consumption by 20 percent is no small task. It is equivalent to cutting total oil imports from the Middle East by 75 percent. As outlined in his proposal, one of ways the "Twenty in Ten" goal will be reached is by increasing our reliance on renewable and alternative fuels such as cellulosic ethanol, corn ethanol and biodiesel. Obviously, America's agriculture producers will play a large part in reaching this goal. And, due to Ohio's soil quality and environmental conditions, our local farmers will help lead the way. Our local economy will benefit as a result.

I was just appointed to a newly created committee to focus on the challenges of renewable fuels. The Agriculture Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research subcommittee will lead the way in examining the issues and creating public policy on these crucial issues. My position on this committee will allow me to work on policies that affect energy production. Increasing production of renewable and alternative fuels will be key issues that the subcommittee will consider as Congress works to reauthorize the Farm Bill.

As renewable and alternative fuels become available, we must ensure that the public has access to them. Ensuring the availability of renewable fueling pumps and stations will be a top issue for me on the Transportation and Infrastructure Highways and Transit Subcommittee. Last October, I was proud to be among the first to fill the tank of my flexible fuel vehicle at our area's very first retail E85 pump. I was excited to read that Cincinnati-area Kroger stores recently announced the opening of several E85 fuel pumps, with additional pumps scheduled to arrive at other area stores soon.

Reducing our independence on foreign oil has important implications for our local economy, the environment, and our national security. That is why implementing the President's "Twenty in Ten" proposal is so important.

Ultimately, by implementing responsible policies that promote conservation and technology, we will be able to leave our children a better and safer world.

http://www.house.gov/list/press/oh02_schmidt/twenty.html