National Security Leaders Support Renewable Fuel Standard

Concerned about our nation's energy security, several former U.S. national security leaders recently urged the Senate to implement a renewable fuel standard to decrease our dependence on imported oil from the Middle East.

F. James Woolsey, Former Director, Central Intelligence Agency

"Americans are aware of the enormous and complicated tasks ahead in dealing with the consequences of the unprecedented September 11th attack against our nation. There are many corrective actions that require lead-times that could be months or even years. But, there are actions that can and must be taken now. One of those critical actions is to advance America's energy security," wrote F. James Woolsey, Former Director, Central Intelligence; Admiral Thomas Moorer USN (Retired), Former Chairman, Joint Chiefs of staff; and Robert McFarlane, Former National Security Advisor to President Reagan.

Adoption of a renewable fuels standard was cited as an important part of the solution. "These actions will also develop new industries and jobs, strengthen communities, enhance the environment, and assist in the stabilization of greenhouse gases," they said. "Ethanol, biodiesel and other biofuels will slow the flow of dollars to the Middle East, where too many of those dollars have been used to buy weapons and fund terrorist activities."