Here in North Dakota we have an opportunity. We can continue our role as a leading state in renewable energy development, or we can sit back and watch the U.S. continue its dependency on oil and foreign nations for our source of fuel.
Recently, Growth Energy submitted a "Green Jobs" waiver to the Environmental Protection Agency asking it to lift the allowable blend of ethanol in our gasoline from 10 percent to 15 percent. Raising the amount of ethanol in our gasoline has tremendous potential for impacting our economy.
In fact, a recent North Dakota State University study determined that just one corn ethanol plant contributes $45.8 million to North Dakota's economy and supports over 500 jobs. And, as we move toward second-generation biofuels in the future, the economic impact grows exponentially. We must support our already existing ethanol producers and provide a market for those waiting to come online.
As Congress is looking for ways to stimulate America's economy, approval of E15 is a no-cost action that will create over 100,000 jobs and pump billions into our national economy.
I believe it is critical to continue pursuing renewable sources of energy for the health and safety of our nation's economy and environment. And again, North Dakota has the potential to lead the way. It is up to us to support Growth Energy's request to lift the arbitrary 10 percent ethanol blend cap.
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Mick Miller, CEO, Red Trail Energy, Richardton
