20 IN 10 AND 25 X 25...IT ALL ADDS UP TO ENERGY SECURITY

During the State of the Union Address you have undoubtedly noticed that we in the audience stand up and applaud to show our approval of something the President has said. I almost flew out of my seat when Mr. Bush unveiled his "20 in 10" plan that seeks to reduce the amount of gasoline Americans use by 20% in 10 years by the year 2017, much of it through the increased use of ethanol.

It is a great plan that I think will work in conjunction with another mathematical sounding energy solution called 25 by 25. I have joined with a bi-partisan group of Senators in co-sponsoring "25x'25," Senate Concurrent Resolution 3. This sets a new national goal for America that by 2025, America's agricultural, forestry and working lands will provide 25% of the total energy consumed in the United States from renewable sources, while continuing to produce safe, abundant and affordable food, feed and fiber.

The nation and the world are looking for new energy solutions. We believe a significant part of the solution can be found right here at home, with our farm and ranch lands as well as our timber stands. Rural America is already leading the way in the production of bio-fuels, bio-based products, and electricity generated from renewable energy, such as advanced wind and solar technologies.

The 25x'25 vision gives us a framework and a goal as we establish the roadmap to achieve greater independence from foreign oil. A recent study from the University of Tennessee shows that we can reach this goal. It also shows that if we generate 25 percent of our energy from renewables, we can create 5 million jobs here at home and in excess of $700 billion in economic activity in 2025. Net farm income would increase by $37 billion. 25x'25 also would result in improved water, soil, and air quality, and would enhance conservation.

25x'25 has the support of more than 400 agricultural, environmental, and industry groups, more than 20 Governors and several State Legislatures. This is a bi-partisan, comprehensive, long-term approach to addressing our domestic energy and security challenges. For additional information on 25x'25, please visit: www.25x25.org.

All Nebraskans can take great pride that we have been leaders in the renewable fuels industry since its infancy. 17 years ago when I became Governor, Nebraska had just one ethanol plant producing 12.7 million gallons a year. When I left the Governor's office 8 years later Nebraska had 7 plants producing 300 million gallons a year. Today there are 12 with more on the way.

Now, we are set to embark on ambitious programs that will continue the growth of the renewable fuels industry in an even more dramatic fashion assuring that renewable fuels will continue to play a significant role toward achieving America's energy security as we rely more and more on agricultural fields instead of foreign oil fields.

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	Column	February 12, 2007
20 IN 10 AND 25 X 25...IT ALL ADDS UP TO ENERGY SECURITY During the State of the Union Address you have undoubtedly noticed that we in the audience stand up and applaud to show our approval of something the President has said. I almost flew out of my seat when Mr. Bush unveiled his "20 in 10" plan that seeks to reduce the amount of gasoline Americans use by 20% in 10 years by the year 2017, much of it through the increased use of ethanol. It is a great plan that I think will work in conjunction with another mathematical sounding energy solution called 25 by 25. I have joined with a bi-partisan group of Senators in co-sponsoring "25x'25," Senate Concurrent Resolution 3. This sets a new national goal for America that by 2025, America's agricultural, forestry and working lands will provide 25% of the total energy consumed in the United States from renewable sources, while continuing to produce safe, abundant and affordable food, feed and fiber. The nation and the world are looking for new energy solutions. We believe a significant part of the solution can be found right here at home, with our farm and ranch lands as well as our timber stands. Rural America is already leading the way in the production of bio-fuels, bio-based products, and electricity generated from renewable energy, such as advanced wind and solar technologies. The 25x'25 vision gives us a framework and a goal as we establish the roadmap to achieve greater independence from foreign oil. A recent study from the University of Tennessee shows that we can reach this goal. It also shows that if we generate 25 percent of our energy from renewables, we can create 5 million jobs here at home and in excess of $700 billion in economic activity in 2025. Net farm income would increase by $37 billion. 25x'25 also would result in improved water, soil, and air quality, and would enhance conservation. 25x'25 has the support of more than 400 agricultural, environmental, and industry groups, more than 20 Governors and several State Legislatures. This is a bi-partisan, comprehensive, long-term approach to addressing our domestic energy and security challenges. For additional information on 25x'25, please visit: www.25x25.org. All Nebraskans can take great pride that we have been leaders in the renewable fuels industry since its infancy. 17 years ago when I became Governor, Nebraska had just one ethanol plant producing 12.7 million gallons a year. When I left the Governor's office 8 years later Nebraska had 7 plants producing 300 million gallons a year. Today there are 12 with more on the way. Now, we are set to embark on ambitious programs that will continue the growth of the renewable fuels industry in an even more dramatic fashion assuring that renewable fuels will continue to play a significant role toward achieving America's energy security as we rely more and more on agricultural fields instead of foreign oil fields. ###