Governors request authorization for National Bioenergy Partnership
By Melissa Coon
© Copyright Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc.
Washington, June 17 – The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) has joined with other regional governor groups, requesting continued authorization for the National Bioenergy Partnership (NBP). In a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, the groups emphasized the 25-year effort to get bioenergy projects off the ground and to help them succeed.
“The Midwest has tremendous resources and opportunities to lead the nation in the new energy economy. The bioenergy industry will be a key factor in our region’s economic growth. The Midwest will be a key player in bioenergy development,” said Ohio Governor and MGA chair Ted Strickland. “The NBP brings together the right partners with the expertise necessary for measurable success in new energy job creation, energy and environmental security.”
Recent legislation passed by the House of Representatives included authorization for the partnership. Senate passage is the next step in continuing the ability of the partnership to meet its goals of promoting bioenergy growth.
Strickland signed the letter with Rhode Island Governor and Coalition of Northeastern Governors Chair Donald Carcieri, West Virginia Governor and Southern States Energy Board Chair Joe Manchin, Montana Governor and Western Governors Association Chair Brian Schweitzer and President of Washington State University Dr. Elson Floyd. Together, the NBP represents 50 states, two territories and the District of Columbia.
MGA said it is committed to working with other state and federal leaders to make biomass and bioenergy a viable source of domestic energy.
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