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Stemme Joins U.S. Senators in Washington, D.C., FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 21, 2005 JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Missouri Soybean Association President Warren Stemme and a bipartisan group of U.S. senators have called on the Senate to pass an energy bill which includes a Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). Stemme, a St. Louis-county soybean farmer, testified to Congress about the benefits of biodiesel fuel. Senator Jim Talent (R-Mo.), a long-standing supporter of renewable fuels, said he was confident the Senate would pass the pro-growth, pro-jobs energy bill. “Biodiesel is beginning to play an integral role in curbing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, reducing automotive emissions, and strengthening our economy,” said Stemme. “The passage of the energy bill would go a long way in creating a permanent demand for biodiesel.” The RFS, which includes tax incentives for biodiesel, ethanol and other alternative fuel sources, is an idea that’s gone through the trials and tribulations of Congress for nearly a decade. The details in the RFS may have changed over the course of time; however, the purpose behind this legislation remains the same: improving America’s energy security. "By utilizing our farmers’ crops, we are able to create our own fuel through value-added products such as biodiesel,” said Dale R. Ludwig, executive director/CEO of the Missouri Soybean Association. “It makes more sense to support our local farmers and rural communities rather than foreign oil suppliers.” Missouri is poised to become a key player in the renewable fuels market. A new biodiesel production facility capable of distributing 30 million gallons of fuel a year was announced in April. The proposed facility, which will be built in Mexico, Mo., signifies a budding biodiesel industry. “Biodiesel demand is growing rapidly, and we believe now is the time to embrace this demand and expand the production of renewable fuels,” said Stemme. “Missouri farmers are prepared to meet this demand.” Biodiesel, produced from renewable fats and oils such as soybean oil, works in any diesel engine with few or no modifications. Biodiesel is a non-toxic, biodegradable, renewable fuel that can be used in its pure form (B100) or blended with petroleum diesel at any percentage level. Nationally, more than 400 retail filling stations make various biodiesel blends available to the public; and more than 1,000 petroleum distributors carry biodiesel and biodiesel blends. ###
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