Web exclusive posted Nov. 5, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. CST 
 
 The 2008 U.S. presidential election was a monumentous occasion for people and organizations across the country, but perhaps no industry had as much at stake as the renewable fuels industry. During his campaign, President-elect Barack Obama vowed to continue to support the development of a strong renewable fuels industry as a way to secure U.S. energy independence. 
 
 Among Obama's campaign promises:
 	<ul><li>A mandate requiring at least 10 percent of the nation's energy to be derived from renewable resources within four years.</li>

 	<li>Further support for renewable fuel subsidies.</li>
 	<li>Continued federal tax incentives and government contracts for the development of second-generation biofuels.</li>
 	<li>A requirement for automakers to begin producing drastically more fuel-efficient vehicles.</li>
 	<li>Implementation of a cap-and-trade greenhouse gas emissions program.</li>
 	<li>The creation of five million "green collar" jobs through federal investments of up to $150 billion over the next decade.</li>
 	<li>The establishment of a national Low Carbon Fuel Standard in order to expand the use of non-petroleum fuels.</li></ul>

 It remains to be seen how he hold to his campaign promises, but ethanol industry members are optimistic that an Obama administration is a bright light for renewable fuels. 
 
 EPM spoke to members of the industry to gain their perspectives:
 
 Larry Mitchell, director of government affairs, American Corn Growers Assocation: "It's quite obvious from their voting records and their platforms that Obama will do a much better job to advance ethanol and especially advanced ethanol, biodiesel, geothermal, wind…I would say that energy as a whole probably has a much brighter future under a Barack Obama presidency."
 
 Brian Jennings, executive vice president, American Coalition for Ethanol: "It's clear that renewable energy and particularly biofuels were an important part of Obama's campaign for president and I think it's clear that renewable energy and biofuels will be at the center of the energy strategy and policy that he pursues as president. I think it's safe to say that when he assembles his advisors and they begin to confront energy policy, independence and security that they will have a broad recognition that we need to continue to build upon the advances made by corn ethanol and accelerate the pace at which we commercialize cellulosic biofuel. Simply put, I think ethanol won in this election and I feel very good about where we're heading."
 
 Clayton McMartin, president, Clean Fuels Clearinghouse: "Obama will bring much needed stability to the current renewable fuel standard program. This should give those in the business a more solid base to build from as they develop and implement strategic plans for future renewable fuel operations."
 
 Keith Bolin, president, American Corn Growers Association, as well as a farmer and livestock producer: "I think it's good news for rural America, not just for ethanol but for the broader base of agriculture. My hope is that there's going to be a little more fairness and equity in federal policy. Obviously, ethanol was a winner last night, there's no doubt about that - not just with Obama but with more pro-renewable energy people getting elected across the country. I [am] very pleased for rural American and for the farmers we represent."

Industry: Obama, ethanol won the election

Upcoming Events

2024 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo

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Carbon Capture & Storage Summit

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Industry: Obama, ethanol won the election.css-7jxktu{position:absolute;bottom:0px;left:0px;right:0px;height:3px;border-radius:3px;background-color:var(--chakra-colors-brandBlack);}

Upcoming Events

2024 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo

Biodiesel Summit: Sustainable Aviation Fuel & Renewable Diesel

Carbon Capture & Storage Summit

North American SAF Conference & Expo

2025 International Biomass Conference & Expo

Industry: Obama, ethanol won the election