[Oregon House Republicans Release}
HOUSE REPUBLICANS TO SEEK REPEAL OF ETHANOL MANDATE;
INCREASE MPG, BRING RELIEF AT THE PUMP
SALEM”” With Oregonians experiencing lower fuel efficiency and higher gas and food prices, House Republicans today announced a plan to repeal Oregon’s ethanol mandate. Estimates suggest the mandate has reduced gas mileage in vehicles and is costing Oregon drivers hundreds of dollars more at the pump.
“Oregonians are suffering from the unintended consequences of this new law,” said Rep. George Gilman (R-Medford), the proposal’s chief sponsor. “In 2009, we will work to repeal this costly ethanol mandate that is failing to work for Oregon.”
“Everyone recognizes the potential of biofuels as a renewable energy source, but the mandated use of corn-based ethanol is causing more problems than it is solving,” said Rep. Chuck Burley (R-Bend), Vice Chair of the House Energy Committee. “Our proposal offers Oregonians relief from this mandate. It also allows the Legislature to seek and promote more efficient sources of energy to power our state.”
Rep. Burley said ethanol’s impact on food prices, aviation sector fuels, and other costs were not discussed during the committee hearing process. “Sometimes these new initiatives, though well intentioned, need to be better vetted in the legislative process,” he added.
State and federal ethanol mandates are putting further pressure on Oregon families during the current recession. Rep. Gene Whisnant (R-Sunriver) said that the mandates must be repealed because they are leading to higher food costs.
“In addition to increasing energy costs, ethanol mandates and skyrocketing corn prices have reduced food production across the country,” Rep. Whisnant said. “As a result, Oregonians are paying more for their most basic necessities. Now that we’re seeing the results of this law, it’s time to repeal the mandate before it does more harm to working families.”
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