| BIG Three Automakers Endorse New Energy Vision |
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Press Release // 05/18/2006 // contact: Sara Wyant, 630.247.7142
National Goal Gaining Momentum: 25 Percent of U.S. Energy from Renewable Sources by 2025 Washington, D.C. - The Big Three U.S. automakers today joined a growing chorus of businesses and organizations calling for a new national renewable energy goal: America's farms, ranches and forests providing 25% of America's energy needs from renewable sources by 2025.
"With gas hovering near $3 a gallon, America wants a new energy vision," said J. Read Smith, Co-chair of the 25x'25 Steering Committee. "25x'25 is the bold vision we need. Our farms, ranches and forests hold the keys to reducing our dependence on foreign oil, protecting the environment, and providing a bright future for rural America. We applaud the automakers for their foresight and determination, and their willingness to join us in working toward a worthy legacy for future generations." Ford Motor Co. Chairman William Clay Ford Jr., General Motors Corp. Chairman Rick Wagoner and Chrysler Chief Executive Thomas W. LaSorda were in Washington meeting with Congressional leaders, and are expected to meet with President Bush on June 2. Among other issues, they are expected to discuss the need to develop more biofuels and improve the delivery system across the U.S. so that more vehicles can purchase renewable fuels at the pump. "25x'25 can and must change the debate," said Bob Stallman, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation. "It is a bold goal, but it is certainly achievable. We can grow a wide variety of crops to produce ethanol and biodiesel. We can harvest the sun and wind to produce electricity. Thanks to new technologies and innovation, energy security is within our grasp - now we must have the courage to set an ambitious goal, and meet it." Support has been building for the 25x'25 initiative from all across the country. Over 100 organizations have endorsed the vision, including broad-based farm organizations like the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Farmers Union, and companies like Deere & Company; as well as environmental groups like NRDC, Environmental Defense and the National Wildlife Federation. In addition, Governors Jeb Bush (R-Fla.), Dave Heineman (R-Neb.), Tim Pawlenty, (R-Minn.), Brian Schweitzer (D-Mont.), Ed Rendell (D-Pa.) and Mitch Daniels (R-Ind.) have endorsed the goal, as have the state legislatures of Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas and Vermont. |
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