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Attacking RFS attacks U.S. values

By Staff | Aug 24, 2012

To the editor,

As General Manager of POET Bio-Refining in Gowrie, I help support many communities’ vibrant local economy. But it is not just me.

Our engineers, our farmers, our technicians, our future industry leaders are all working together to simultaneously secure America’s energy security and move our nation toward further economic prosperity.

None of this innovation, economic growth and security would be possible without the Renewable Fuel Standard.

The RFS has vastly expanded American renewable energy industries, contributing more than $40 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product in 2011 alone. This energy strategy has bolstered the American ethanol industry, created more than 400,000 jobs, sparked innovative academic research at top American universities and revitalized our towns.

You see, when the RFS is attacked, it is an attack on my company, our community and our local economy. At a time when jobs are transferred overseas, and top research is conducted outside our borders, America’s growing ethanol industry is creating organic, sustainable economic prosperity.

We are creating fulfilling economic opportunities in agriculture, and related industries, for our best and brightest to return home and thrive.

Millions of dollars from some of the world’s largest companies are pouring into local communities. Cutting-edge research and technological innovation is occurring right here in the heartland.

Our critics are falsely blaming corn producers and ethanol producers for the current drought; one seasonal weather anomaly should not damn an entire industry.

The RFS is built to last and accounts for market flexibility and fluctuations in supply and demand.

Now is the time to trust our market, trust our farmers and trust our homegrown industries.

Stop attacking the heart of America and let our economy – and innovation – flourish.

Gary Eischeid

General Manager

POET Bio-Refining

Gowrie