Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, promising to be a truth-telling candidate for the presidency, says it’s time to phase-out federal subsidies for ethanol. Pawlenty made that phase-out call today during a speech in Des Moines, Iowa — in the heart of corn country. Now comes a suggestion from the ethanol industry: go to the heart of oil country and give a speech there about ending petroleum subsidies. Here’s the statement:
IRFA President Walt Wendland Statement on Former Minnesota Gov. Pawlenty’s Ethanol Remarks
Background: In Des Moines today, former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty discussed phasing out subsidies across all sources of energy, including ethanol.
IRFA President Walt Wendland issued the following statement:
“The ethanol industry is united behind Senator Chuck Grassley’s legislation to phase down and reform the current ethanol incentive as part of the discussion on all energy programs. We appreciate Sen. Grassley’s leadership on this issue. Governor Pawlenty’s remarks today appear to be in line with Sen. Grassley’s approach for ethanol reform. We welcome his support.
“Gov. Pawlenty further pointed out that energy incentive reforms must be across the board. We agree that the massive amount of federally funded petroleum incentives must be a part of any reform discussion. Iowans look forward to Gov. Pawlenty further detailing his plans to ‘phase out’ petroleum subsidies, perhaps in a speech in Houston, Texas.”
Walt Wendland is the CEO of Golden Grain Energy near Mason City, Iowa and Homeland Energy Solutions near Lawler, Iowa. He is currently serving his second term as President of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry. The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.
About O.Kay Henderson
Kay is a founding member of the Radio Iowa network newsroom. In 1994, she became the network’s news director. She’s a featured reporter and commentator on Iowa Public Television’s “Iowa Press,” and the 2002 recipient of the Shelley Award.
What a brave “truth-teller.” I have no doubt that T-Paw would be George W. Bush light. What are their significant policy differences? If we conservatives are not willing to forsake the Bush years, then we are no different than big government Democrats. Who cares if Republicans are elected if we get Boehner-type leadership? afraid to rock the boat and stand up to the socialist establishment. The GOP blue-bloods will take whatever boost the tea-party gives them, but to this point, it should be clear they will stab us in the back at the first opportunity.