The "Renewable Fuels and Energy Independence Promotion Act," by Rep. Kenny Hulshof (R-MO) and Earl Pomeroy (D-ND), would provide a permanent extension of the renewable fuels tax incentives for ethanol and biodiesel. Hulshof says, "Federal policy should strive to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Domestically produced renewable fuels must play an integral role in a plan to promote energy independence. If renewable fuels are to displace significant amounts of petroleum as fuel, we must take bold, aggressive steps to achieve this end." The current tax incentive expires in 2009.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C., correspondent