Sen. Grassley Tells NBB He Will Continue to Champion Biodiesel Tax Incentive
Says Only One Grocery CEO Has Accepted his Food-and-Fuel Meeting Invitation

WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) spoke to the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) today, telling the industry leaders that he will continue to press for passage of an extension of the biodiesel tax incentive. Grassley also passionately refuted the Grocery Manufacturers Association's (GMA) "intellectually dishonest and economically unfactual" biofuels smear campaign.

Grassley stressed the importance of biodiesel for America's environment, economy and energy security. "We ought to keep the dollars in the United States rather than send them over to the Arabs to shoot back at us." In his capacity as the Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee, he reiterated his desire to work in a bipartisan manner to pass an extender package that includes the biodiesel tax incentive.

Senator Grassley was also critical of the anti-biofuels public relations campaign that is being waged by the GMA. He noted that only one chief executive officer from the grocery industry, out of 15 invited, has accepted the invitation to meet with him and Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer to discuss the GMA's multi-million dollar campaign to discredit biofuels.

"The biggest culprit behind the rising food cost is $135 barrel oil," he said. "This campaign is led by an organization that should be a loyal member of the food chain. Instead, they are making biofuels the scapegoat to defend their own bottom line. The truth is that America's family farmers are producing more food, and fuel, than ever before."

Joe Jobe, NBB CEO, praised Grassley for his commitment to renewable fuels. "Senator Grassley has been an outspoken, tireless advocate for biodiesel," he said. "He recognizes that Americans want renewable fuel, and through his steadfast leadership, he's reshaping our energy future."

"Lifting the biofuels incentives won't ease food prices," Grassley said. "By using less biofuel, we will in fact lift food prices. Who are they trying to kid?"

Biodiesel has been scientifically proven to reduce greenhouse gases and other emissions. It is an energy gainer, producing 3.5 units of energy for every one unit that goes into producing the fuel. Based in Jefferson City, Mo., the NBB is the national trade association representing the biodiesel industry.