Urgent Action on Ethanol
In June the US Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of ending ethanol subsidies. In an attempt to save ethanol subsidies, Senators Klobuchar (D-MN), Thune (R-SD), and Feinstein (D-CA) have agreed to a compromise deal that would cut the ethanol tax credit this August via passage within the debt-ceiling bill. If passed on time, this would save $1.3 billion (to be applied toward deficit reduction). Unfortunately, it also calls for some investment/subsidies for development of next generation ethanol, a signal of continued support for the ethanol industry.
Why should we care if ethanol subsidies end or not? Here are just a few reasons why:
to support the Herger-Crowley bill in the US House, which would put an end to thirty years of wasteful ethanol subsidies and a tariff on imported ethanol. With a voting deadline of August 2 fast approaching our urgent action is needed to ensure that ethanol subsidies end.
Thank you for taking action!
In June the US Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of ending ethanol subsidies. In an attempt to save ethanol subsidies, Senators Klobuchar (D-MN), Thune (R-SD), and Feinstein (D-CA) have agreed to a compromise deal that would cut the ethanol tax credit this August via passage within the debt-ceiling bill. If passed on time, this would save $1.3 billion (to be applied toward deficit reduction). Unfortunately, it also calls for some investment/subsidies for development of next generation ethanol, a signal of continued support for the ethanol industry.
Why should we care if ethanol subsidies end or not? Here are just a few reasons why:
- Ethanol subsidies are pushing up food prices. Some places have seen food prices rise by as much as 80%.
- Riots have broken out in 36 countries as people desperately try to improve their access to food.
- Ethanol subsidies cost US taxpayers $6 billion each year.
- An EPA federal mandate ensures that a minimum amount of ethanol be purchased in the US each year. Tax credits (subsidies) on top of this are excessive.
- Taking into account the full life cycle of ethanol production, actual emits more greenhouse gases than it offsets.
- Each job created by the ethanol industry costs US taxpayers $14 million.
- As the world population grows to 9 billion (by 2050) a focus on food production is important to ensure that everyone has enough to eat. Today 1 in 7 people are hungry.
to support the Herger-Crowley bill in the US House, which would put an end to thirty years of wasteful ethanol subsidies and a tariff on imported ethanol. With a voting deadline of August 2 fast approaching our urgent action is needed to ensure that ethanol subsidies end.
- Click here to sign the petition to urge the House of Representatives to choose food over fuel and put an end to ethanol subsidies.
- Ask US House Representative Erik Paulsen (R-MN) to support the Herger Crowley Bill (H.R. 2307). Given Rep. Paulsen's position on the House Ways and Means Committee (the committee voting on the debt ceiling bill on August 2) he is a strategic target for this issue. Oxfam wants to know we can count on his vote in favor of the Herger Crowley bill. Contact Rep. Paulsen:
- Visit Rep. Paulsen's district office in Eden Prairie with other Oxfam Action Corps volunteers. Please send an e-mail to oxfam.mn@gmail.com to let us know that you are interested.
- Send Rep. Paulsen a letter or e-mail. Click here to find contact information on his webpage.(Scroll to the bottom of the page for this DC and district office information.)
- Call Representative Paulsen's district office (952) 405-8510 or DC office (202) 225-2871
