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Friday, February 13, 2009

MEDIA ADVISORY: America Needs a True Renewable Energy Policy

Media Briefing on Environmental Coalition Release of Biofuels Platform

Noon EST, Wednesday, February 11th

WASHINGTON – According to a 2008 report from the Energy Information Administration, in 2007, the federal government supported corn ethanol to the tune of $3.04 billion. That amount is more than 3 times the federal support provided to wind, solar, and geothermal energy combined. The continued federal largess lavished on corn ethanol comes with little or no return to taxpayers in energy security, protection from global climate change, or reducing the cost of driving.

Despite the clear detriments of corn ethanol, and in an effort to address corn ethanol overcapacity, USDA and the EPA have commenced discussions aimed at raising ethanol blending levels in the United States, to as high as E15 from the current level of E10.

The blind rush by lawmakers to embrace the failed promise of current conventional biofuels has led to growing skepticism among many in the environmental community that even the much touted next-generation biofuels will become a viable component of a larger US renewable energy portfolio.

On Wednesday, February 11th, the Clean Air Task Force, Environmental Working Group, Friends of the Earth, Network for New Energy Choices and NY PIRG will release a comprehensive biofuels platform to address the critical and immediate energy challenges facing America.


WHEN: Wednesday, February 11th 2009 at 12:00 NOON – 1:00 PM Eastern Time

WHAT: Teleconference briefing for accredited journalists for release of environmental coalition’s biofuels policy platform.

CALL INFORMATION: Please contact Don Carr, EWG, (202) 939-9141, don@ewg.org

WHO: Craig Cox, Midwest Vice President, Environmental Working Group Kate McMahon, Energy Policy Campaigner, Friends of the Earth
Dulce Fernandes, Associate Director, Network for New Energy Choices
Jonathan Lewis, Clean Air Task Force

Reporters who wish to view an advance embargoed copy of the biofuels platform or who have questions pertaining to the teleconference should contact Don Carr, EWG, (202) 939-9141 don@ewg.org.

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