Growth Energy: McCain Amendment Would Limit Consumer Choice

Washington, D.C. – Growth Energy, the leading voice for the U.S. ethanol industry, released the following statement in response to an amendment offered by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) that would limit consumer choice by prohibiting the USDA from funding Flex Fuel pump installations. Sen. McCain offered this same amendment during the ethanol tax debate in June but was defeated 41-59. The amendment (No. 741) could be voted on as early as today.

“The McCain amendment would smother the only initiative we have to provide consumers the power to choose their fuel, and it gives OPEC the green light to tighten its grip on our economy at the worst possible time,” said Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis. “Flex Fuel pumps allow consumers the choice between affordable, homegrown biofuels that create jobs at home, and foreign oil imported from OPEC nations. Flex Fuel pumps inject competition in the marketplace. Congress should stand up for consumer choice and move our country’s energy policy forward, by investing in ethanol infrastructure and next generation biofuels.”

About Growth Energy

Growth Energy represents the producers and supporters of ethanol who feed the world and fuel America in ways that achieve energy independence, improve economic well-being and create a healthier environment for all Americans now.