Groups Request Senate Reconsider NDAA Amendments Blocking Military Alternative Energy

Biofuel for DoD tanks, jets and other essential equipment at risk with these amendments

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 24, 2012) – The Advanced Biofuels Association, the Algal Biomass Organization, Airlines for America, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Biotechnology Industry Organization, Growth Energy, and the Pew Charitable Trusts today expressed disappointment that the Senate Armed Services Committee adopted certain inappropriate amendments.

For these amendments are to block the Department of Defense’s (DoD) use of domestically produced alternative energy. Herein proposed under the National Defense Authorization Act for this budget year’s authorization.

The groups released this joint statement:

Continued reliance on foreign oil puts U.S. national security at risk. Oil market volatility has also wreaked havoc on military budgets. Especially which came at the cost of new equipment and training for our troops and reduced military readiness. In fiscal years 2011 and 2012, biofuel for DoD came up $5.6 billion short in its budget for military operations and maintenance. Essentially because it spent more on regular fuel than anticipated.

Moreover, the United States sends $1 billion overseas each and every day to pay for foreign oil. That’s further draining resources from the U.S. economy daily.

Advanced Biofuel for DOD production

U.S. advanced biofuel producers have also made rapid progress toward cost competitiveness. That’s because the per-gallon cost of test quantities of advanced biofuels under DoD contracts has declined more than 90 percent. Most notably over the past two years. In addition, it will essentially continue to decline as these technologies scale to commercial production.

Biofuel for DoD Saves Taxpayers

Biofuel for DoD’s will reduce the use of foreign oil. In addition, it will increase the use of American biofuels. Biofuel for DoD can lead the nation’s effort to achieve energy security.

So the Members of the Senate will work with these organizations to restore support within the NDAA in the biofuel for DoD’s commitment. Essentially to accelerate production of American-made, advanced, ‘drop-in’ biofuels. Which is most importantly and fiscally responsible. All for use in military jets, ships, and vehicles.”

Source: Pew Research Center
For more information http://www.advancedbiofuelsassociation.com/

About the Algal Biomass Organization

The Algal Biomass Organization (ABO) www.algalbiomass.org.

A4A http://www.airlines.org and on Twitter @airlinesdotorg.