The House Agriculture Subcommittee on Risk Management, Research, and Specialty Crops recently held a hearing on the National Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals Act of 1999, a bill introduced by Committee Chairman and Illinois Representative Tom Ewing to promote the biomass industry.

House Resolution 2827 would create a Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals Research Initiative to integrate research and development efforts and provide research grants; establish a Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals Board with a technical advisory committee to provide guidance on awarding research funds; and authorize the construction of a pilot plant for corn-based ethanol research.

"Because human activity will drastically reduce available fossil fuels during the next century, we must seek new ways to supply the energy needs of society," Ewing said. "Advancements in biomass technology and usage have the potential to improve environmental health by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. House Resolution 2827 would also improve America's strategic security by lowering American reliance on imported fossil fuels." Similar legislation authored by Indiana Senator Richard Lugar was approved in October by the Senate Agriculture Committee and is pending before the full Senate. 

Testifying in support of the bill, Illinois Corn Growers Association President Doug Wilson stated, "Corn, soybeans, and other plants will continue to play an essential role in providing fuels and industrial feedstocks far into the future. By addressing research needs for this broad base of feedstocks, House Resolution 2827 can help us achieve a bio-based economy."