Tsunami: Top 10 Impacts for Biofuels from US Elections

Business News/Analysis, Federal Agency/Executive Branch, Federal Legislation, Opinions, Policy

November 3, 2010

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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … 1. The bottom line: moderately positive for biofuels. One of the few areas where Republicans and Democrats agree on priorities is the importance of reforming US energy policy, and biofuels enjoy bipartisan support, especially advanced biofuels. …

2. The Dearly Departed. One of the most important casualties of the night was Senate Agriculture chairman Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas. Strong ethanol supporters Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin of South Dakota, Earl Pomeroy of North Dakota and Debbie Halvorson of Illinois were among Democratic casualties, while algal fuels leader Harry Teague lost his seat in New Mexico.

3. Among the survivors. The leadership of the House Algae Energy Caucus, Brian Bilbray of California and Jay Inslee of Washington, sailed through this election cycle. Senator Chuck Grassley faced only token opposition, and Senator John Thune of South Dakota was unopposed. Jerry Moran of Kansas moved up successfully from the House to the Senate. Rick Perry, who requested that the EPA waive the Renewable Fuels Standard in 2008, was elected to a third term as Governor of Texas, while Sam Brownback, a staunch friend of bioenergy while in the Senate, becomes the new Governor of Kansas. Leonard Boswell of Iowa survived a challenge to his House seat from Brad Zaun, who had opposed the biodiesel tax credit extension.

4. Among the new faces. …

5. Committee leadership changes. …

6. Cap and trade. …

7. Ethanol tax credit. …

8. A more liberal Democratic Caucus. …

9. The Presidential sweepstakes opens today. …

10. Opportunities for bi-partisanship. … READ MORE and MORE (additional reactions)

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