NELSON CO-SPONSORS BILL TO ENCOURAGE FUEL DIVERSIFICATION

Amendment Will Spur Investment, Promote Conservation

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Ben Nelson today co-sponsored a bi-partisan amendment to create a production tax credit that would encourage the building of facilities to convert animal and agricultural waste into quality alternative fuels.

“Our environment, our economy, and our national security depend on creating a viable, long-term energy plan and a successful plan must place an emphasis on energy diversification,” said Nelson. “Just as we should encourage additional ethanol production, we should also encourage research and investment in other potential renewable fuel sources.”

Over six billion tons of animal and agricultural waste are produced in the United States each year. The amendment co-sponsored by Nelson would offer an incentive to businesses willing to invest in the creation of new facilities that process waste into alternative fuels. The production credit uses proven market-based methods to spur investment in an industry that will help clean the environment, create jobs, and reduce dependence on foreign oil.

The provision will be included in the manager’s amendment to the energy bill currently being debated on the floor of the Senate.

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	Press Release	March 15, 2002
NELSON CO-SPONSORS BILL TO ENCOURAGE FUEL DIVERSIFICATION Amendment Will Spur Investment, Promote Conservation WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Ben Nelson today co-sponsored a bi-partisan amendment to create a production tax credit that would encourage the building of facilities to convert animal and agricultural waste into quality alternative fuels. “Our environment, our economy, and our national security depend on creating a viable, long-term energy plan and a successful plan must place an emphasis on energy diversification,” said Nelson. “Just as we should encourage additional ethanol production, we should also encourage research and investment in other potential renewable fuel sources.” Over six billion tons of animal and agricultural waste are produced in the United States each year. The amendment co-sponsored by Nelson would offer an incentive to businesses willing to invest in the creation of new facilities that process waste into alternative fuels. The production credit uses proven market-based methods to spur investment in an industry that will help clean the environment, create jobs, and reduce dependence on foreign oil. The provision will be included in the manager’s amendment to the energy bill currently being debated on the floor of the Senate. –30-- ###