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PrintCorn-Based Ethanol is Driving Food Prices Higher
In a recent ruling, the Environmental Protection Agency declined Gov. Perry’s request for a 50% waiver of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandate which requires the gasoline industry to mix massive amounts of corn-based ethanol into the nation's fuel supply.
This ruling did little to change Gov. Perry’s belief that this policy continues to have a significant negative effect on one of our state’s key economic sectors: food production. This harm is then passed along to citizens of Texas and beyond in the form of higher food and fuel prices.
Considering that two-thirds of the state’s 149,000 cattle operations run less than 50 head, this ruling will be especially rough on the small family farm that is such an important part of our state’s agricultural production and culture.
Believing the corn-based ethanol debate is far from over; Gov. Perry will continue to press the issue of a comprehensive energy policy for Texas and the nation that no longer artificially props up one industry at the expense of another.
Governor's Related Priority Initiatives
- Expansion of Renewable Energy
- Increasing Energy Efficiency
- Promoting Demand Management
- Emission Reduction Efforts
Governor's Related Ethanol News
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Nov 07, 2008 - Gov. Perry Encourages Private Sector Investments in Energy Innovation
BRYAN – Gov. Rick Perry today encouraged continued investment in researching and marketing alternative energy sources as a way to move Texas and the U.S. toward energy independence at a dedication ceremony for Terrabon’s biofuels conversion facility. -
Nov 07, 2008 - Gov. Perry Remarks at the Terrabon Facility Dedication
We are also making great strides in other renewable sources like biofuels because private-sector companies like Terrabon are risking their own capital on great ideas. Private sector efforts are what move technology forward, get products to market, and create jobs…not government mandates. -
Oct 16, 2008 - Gov. Perry Addresses the Texas Chemical Council
"Do I think this is time to panic? Absolutely not, but we need to be proactive in the way we deal with the outside forces affecting our economy. Fortunately, we have been proactive throughout the years, making tough choices that have helped our state attain the overall strength we enjoy today." -
Aug 07, 2008 - Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on EPA Denial of Texas’ RFS Waiver Request
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement regarding the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to deny Texas’ request for a 50 percent waiver from the grain-based Renewable Fuels Standard: -
Jun 24, 2008 - Gov. Perry: Ethanol is Not the Answer
"If these artificially high prices continue, the doors on many of these [smaller Texas agricultural] operations will start closing, possibly changing the face of Texas agriculture forever. That will result in even higher food costs for families all over Texas and across the nation. That is why I asked for a 50% waiver of the corn-derived RFS mandate." -
Jun 24, 2008 - Gov. Perry: Ethanol Mandate Harms Livestock, Food Industries
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Gov. Rick Perry, joined by industry leaders across the country, today urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to grant a 50 percent waiver from its Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) mandate for grain-based ethanol. Upon Gov. Perry’s initial waiver request in late April, the EPA granted a comment period to consider the appeal, which ended yesterday. A decision on the request is expected later this summer. -
Jun 02, 2008 - Gov. Rick Perry: Biofuels are the Future of Diversified Energy Portfolios
"There is no reason to waste corn on ethanol production when outfits like Green Hunter Energy are working to produce biodiesel from multiple materials, edible and non-edible, that won't harm our food supply." -
Jun 02, 2008 - Gov. Rick Perry: Wind Energy Keeps Texas' Air Clean and Our Future Bright
"Texas doesn't just believe in the potential of wind energy, we are reaping its benefits already. People who talk about wind energy as a technology of the future clearly haven't been to West Texas lately: the future of wind energy in Texas is now."
