# Congress Mulls Bush Request for Ethanol

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2006/08/congress-mulls-bush-request-for-ethanol/
- Published: 2006-08-20T12:49:00-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

# By MARY CLARE JALONICK Associated Press Writer⏎ © 2006 The Associated Press, MSNBC and Wikipedia

WASHINGTON — President [Bush](https://greenlivingguy.com/2006/04/bush-reportedly-regrets-global-warming-energy-policy-decisions/)
has requested $11.4 million for the EPA to implement parts of a federal energy law
that includes writing rules for a new renewable fuels standard. It requires refiners
to use 7.5 billion gallons of ethanol in gasoline annually by 2012.

The Bush Administration is considering lifting import [tariffs](https://greenlivingguy.com/2006/08/ethanol-could-leave-the-world-hungry-cnn-money/)
on ethanol. All in a bid to alleviate any supply crunch of gasoline. Especially 
ahead of the peak summer demand driving season. That came from Energy Secretary 
Samuel Bodman said Thursday.

![The Bush Administration is considering lifting import tariffs on ethanol. All 
in a bid to alleviate any supply crunch of gasoline. Especially ahead of the peak
summer demand driving season. That came from Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said
Thursday.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pexels-
photo-3784137.jpg?resize=280%2C420&quality=52&ssl=1)

According to the [LA Times](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-apr-11-fi-briefs11.3-story.html):

The rule, authorized in an energy law signed by President Bush in 2005, also requires
that 4.02% of gasoline sold or dispensed to U.S. motorists in 2007 be renewable 
fuel, or about 4.7 billion gallons. That is more than 1% higher than required last
year.

“It’s something the administration has considered and will continue to consider,”
Bodman told reporters. This was after a meeting with his counterparts from Canada
and Mexico.

He conceded, however, that the power to actually lift the tariffs is out of the 
administration’s hands. That authority lies with Congress. All where any proposed
policy changes to the ethanol import tariff scheme could face a huge challenge. 
Especially from key Republican leaders from farm states. You know, particularly 
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa.  For he is have strongly
opposed lifting the 54 cents a gallon tariff on ethanol imports. Most notably from
countries such as Brazil.

Taking action is largely a Congressional matter, Bodman said, although he noted 
that President George W. Bush wants lawmakers to seriously consider legislative 
proposals that would improve the ethanol supply outlook.

Former president George W. Bush sought to generate a western-hemisphere dominated
industry that can produce as much as 35 billion gallons (130 billion liters) a year.
For that’s equal to the entire world’s production as of 2007.

## In addition to expanding ethanol industries provide jobs in plant construction. Also operations, and maintenance. For that’s mostly in rural communities.

However, by early 2009, the industry is under financial stress due to the effects
of the economic crisis of 2008. Especially as motorists are driving less, gasoline
prices have dropped sharply. So then there is excess production capacity. I mean
and less financing around to hold the gas.

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
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