Ethanol Becomes Issue in Senate Race

bye-ethanol-eventOn Wednesday Senators Joe Donnelly (D-IN) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) toured the Noble Americas South Bend Ethanol Plant, highlighting Evan Bayh’s strong support for Indiana’s corn and ethanol industries and the tens of thousands of Hoosier jobs they support. The Senators also underscored Congressman Todd Young’s history of voting against Hoosier farmers and manufacturers. Through six years in Washington, Young has voted to repeal ethanol tax credits and weaken the Renewable Fuel Standard, threatening a major part of the Indiana economy.

“Hoosiers know that they can count on Evan Bayh to be a strong partner for Indiana’s corn growers and farmers. As our Governor and Senator, Evan has always been a champion for the Hoosier agriculture industry and supported strong investment in ethanol and other biofuels that support more than 25,000 Hoosier jobs,” Senator Donnelly said. “Evan is the only candidate in this race who will stand up for Indiana’s ethanol industry. I’m proud to support Evan, because no matter if it’s voting for the auto rescue or supporting our Carrier workers whose jobs were outsourced, I know he will always put what’s best for Indiana’s economy ahead of the special interests.”

“Evan stands up for American farmers and has a strong record of support for innovation in biofuels, which help create jobs and strengthen rural communities,” Senator Stabenow said. “But if you look at Congressman Todd Young’s record, he’s been a consistent voice to undermine Indiana’s biofuel industry—not strengthen it. We don’t need another vote in Washington for big oil or the special interests. We need someone like Evan Bayh who values American innovation in biofuels that helps Indiana’s farmers succeed and gives our consumers cleaner energy choices.”

According to the Bayh campaign throughout his career, Evan Bayh has supported ethanol production and voted multiple times in favor of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which requires a specified volume of ethanol to be mixed with gasoline and encourages the production of corn and ethanol. In 2007, Bayh worked across the aisle with Senator Lugar to introduce the bipartisan DRIVE Act, which would increase the production of ethanol.

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