December 11, 2008 – Washington – Responding to the media reports that Dr. Stephen Chu, Lisa Jackson, and Carol Browner will fill key energy and environmental roles in the incoming Obama Administration, the Renewable Fuels Association issued the following statement:

The energy and environmental challenges facing this country are formidable, but not insurmountable. We are confident that the energy and environmental team President–elect Obama is assembling shares his vision of a diverse energy portfolio that capitalizes upon America’s great ingenuity and productivity. Ethanol, today largely derived from grain, is a key component in this nation’s energy transition to homegrown renewable liquid fuel sources. The foundation being built by today’s ethanol producers is pivotal in ushering in second and third generation biofuel technologies that will greatly expand the science and feedstocks used to produce renewable fuels and help create the kind of green economy and jobs President-elect Obama envisions.

We cannot let the recent dip in oil and energy prices divert our attention away from continuing to develop domestic renewable energy sources. While $40 oil is attainable, it is not sustainable. Judging by the reported nominations of these well-qualified individuals, we believe President-elect Obama fully intends to build upon the successes renewable energy technologies like ethanol are achieving. We look forward to working with the Obama Administration to make the renewable fuels vision the president-elect detailed during the campaign a reality.