Representative Pete Olson recently introduced the Domestic Alternative Fuels Act, which would allow ethanol produced from alternative sources, such as domestic natural gas and coal, to be included under the Renewable Fuel Standard and compete with corn-based ethanol. The National Chicken Council issued a statement in support of Olson and allowing ethanol production from alternative sources.
“It’s long past time for Congress to address the failed RFS,” Representative Olson said in a press release. “The RFS focus on corn ethanol has translated into higher feed costs for livestock producers and higher food costs for working families. While Congress considers eliminating the RFS altogether, we should in the meantime allow greater participation and competition under the program. That will benefit farmers, businesses and consumers.”
National Chicken Council vice president of communications, Tom Super, said: “NCC supports broadening the eligibility requirements of a portion of the mandated ethanol volumes to allow a wider variety of sources to be used for production. NCC commends Representative Olson for his leadership on this issue.
“Because ethanol today is derived almost completely from corn, this bipartisan legislation would help relieve some of the pressure being placed on corn and help chicken producers who have been struggling with high feed costs. This alternative source would be especially important in years like this one when corn is in limited supply with only a marginal carryover projected for ending stocks,” he said.