Press Releases

February 7, 2008

EESI Testifies Before Senate Energy and Natural Resources Comittee on the Renewable Fuel Standard

WASHINGTON, DC- In testimony before the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee on February 7, Carol Werner, Executive Director of the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), expressed strong support for the expanded Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) that was enacted as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The RFS calls for a total of 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels by 2022, with 21 billion gallons of this to be derived from advanced biofuels (i.e., derived from biomass other than cornstarch) which will be required to meet a 50-60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

February 5, 2008

Administration Proposes Disappointing Renewable Energy Agriculture and DOE Biomass Budget for FY2009

On February 4, 2008 the Administration released its proposed budget for fiscal year FY09.

February 5, 2008

Administration Requests $68 Billion for Transportation, Shifting Funds From Transit to Highways

On February 4, 2008, Transportation Secretary Mary Peters released the 2009 fiscal year (FY) budget request for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to fund construction, maintenance, and operation activities for the nation’s roadways, railways, and air transportation.

February 5, 2008

EPA Clean Air and Global Climate Change FY2009 Budget: Climate Science & Technology Program Cut 38%

The President’s FY 2009 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) budget request remains relatively flat compared to the FY 2008 request and is down slightly from FY 2008 appropriations.

February 5, 2008

DOE EE/RE FY 2009 Budget Cut 27%; Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program Zeroed Out

In signing the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (HR 6, P.L. 110-140) on December 19, 2007, President Bush said the Act makes "a major step toward reducing our dependence on oil, confronting global climate change, expanding the production of renewable fuels and giving future generations of our country a nation that is stronger, cleaner and more secure."

January 28, 2008

ETA Solicits Grant Applications for Energy Industry Job Training

On January 23, the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) announced a solicitation for grant applications under the President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative (http://www.doleta.gov/BRG/JobTrainInitiative/).

December 12, 2007

Senate Farm Bill Passed

On December 14, 2007, after a protracted struggle, the U.S. Senate finally passed the Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (H.R.2419) by a vote of 79 to 14. During debate, 12 amendments to the bill were considered. None passed.

December 6, 2007

Wyden-Harkin Amendment Support Letter Signed by 92 Organizations

On November 29, the U.S. Senate received a letter signed by 92 organizations, including EESI and the Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, supporting the Wyden-Harkin amendment - a farm bill amendment to improve the Biomass Crop Transition Assistance Program. Signatories included representatives from environmental organizations, trade groups, and bioenergy companies.

November 16, 2007

Senate Farm Bill Stalled on the Floor

On November 16, 2007, the U.S. Senate essentially voted to kill the 2007 farm bill. When a vote to invoke cloture (ie, cut off debate) failed 55-42. Deliberations began on the Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (H.R.2419) 11 days ago, but quickly came to a screeching halt when majority and minority leadership could not come to an agreement on amendments being offered to the bill.

October 25, 2007

Senate Agriculture Committee Sends 2007 Farm Bill to the Floor

On October 25, 2007, the Senate Agriculture Committee Chaired by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) reported out The Food and Energy Security Act of 2007.