Letter to the Editor: Washington Post
(Renewable Fuels Association) In its editorial (“It’s time to end the excessive subsidies for corn ethanol,” 7/24/2010), the Post failed to provide its readers any context, misled them about the nature of U.S. ethanol production, and offered no alternative to replace America’s addiction to oil.
First, calling for an end to tax credits for ethanol while ignoring the billions of dollars of PERMANENT tax subsidies for Big Oil is as inequitable as it is shortsighted. Despite all members of Congress wanting more renewable energy technologies, they require these industries to come before Congress hat in hand for investment. The oil industry, by comparison, only lobbies when the permanent subsidies it enjoys are threatened.
Second, American ethanol is a success story. Only lamenting the value of the tax credit for ethanol without discussing the economic benefits ethanol production is creating is misleading. For example, federal tax revenue generated by the production and use of ethanol totaled more than $8 billion in 2009, $3 billion more than the value of the tax credit. Jobs and economic opportunity seen in hundreds of rural communities further add to the value of the investment in domestic ethanol production.
Third, the Post suggests there are better technologies available without providing any evidence. There is no gasoline alternative technology that can match ethanol’s availability, production volume, or oil displacement benefit. Moreover, continued investment in ethanol is required to ensure promising next generation biofuel technologies, such as cellulosic ethanol, are commercialized. Ending investment in ethanol will result in more oil consumption and severely curtail investments in new renewable fuel technologies.
This is a question of priorities. If the only goal of the Post is a level energy playing field, then it should call for the elimination of all tax provisions benefitting every energy industry – oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear, wind, solar, etc. But if the real priority is ending our addiction to oil, then eliminating the permanent tax breaks for Big Oil and investing those dollars in renewable fuel technologies should be the Post’s goal.
Judging by this editorial, it’s clear where the Post stands.
Sincerely,
Bob Dinneen
President and CEO
The Renewable Fuels Association
READ MORE and MORE (Washington Post) and MORE (Advanced Biofuels USA)
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