In April, Coalition Chairman and Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack appeared at a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing on the MTBE crisis and the future of renewable fuels.

"It is imperative that people know the environment and economic advantages ethanol presents to our nation," Vilsack said. "By using ethanol, Americans can have cleaner air to breathe and will be assured that drinking water will not be polluted by MTBE."

Vilsack also shared information with committee members on the ability for domestic ethanol production to meet the capacity demands from the phase out of MTBE. The Governor cited a study showing demand for ethanol could soar to 3.2 billion gallons a year by 2004, compared to today's present use of 1.3 billion gallons a year.

"The economic advantages are obvious to everyone who has filled their fuel tank in their car, van or truck lately. By expanding the use of ethanol, the United States can reduce our reliance on foreign oil," Vilsack said.