Angie Paccione Tours Windsor Ethanol Plant
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12, 2006
CONTACT: James Thompson (970) 222-6397
Angie Paccione Tours Windsor Ethanol Plant
"Ethanol is crucial for energy security and the American economy," Paccione says.
WINDSORState Rep. Angie Paccione, candidate for Congress in Colorado's Fourth Congressional District, took an exclusive tour today of Front Range Energy's brand new ethanol plant east of Windsor.
"This cutting-edge plant is one of several that have been built and are being planned in the Fourth District," Paccione said. "This district is the perfect locale for ethanol production, and it's great to see we're helping Colorado take the lead in renewable energy. Unfortunately, my opponent, Marilyn Musgrave, doesn't support Colorado ethanol."
Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, Paccione's opponent in the Fourth District race, has sponsored legislation that's harmful to the state's ethanol industry, including H.R. 5170, a bill opposed by the National Corn Growers Association and the American Corn Growers Association, which would eliminate the tariff on imported ethanol. All told, H.R. 5170 will cost American growers nearly $670 million dollars and undercut Colorado farmers at a critical time.
In spite of Musgrave's lack of support, ethanol plants are springing up in the Fourth District. A plant is being constructed near Yuma, and plans are underway for plants in the communities of LaSalle, Fort Morgan, Walsh, and a second in Yuma. Another plant currently operates in Sterling.
Front Range Energy's ethanol plant employs about 30 people, and during nearly eight months of construction employed 175 people. Farmers from Colorado and Nebraska provide the plant with corn, which it converts to ethanol and cattle feed.
"Ethanol is crucial for energy security and the American economy, and it can help bring down the price of gasoline," Paccione said. "It provides jobs, income to farmers, and a boost to rural economies and schools, not to mention its environmental benefits with reduced carbon monoxide emissions."
Ethanol fuel and renewable energy in general have been priorities for Paccione during her tenure in the state legislature.
This year, Paccione cosponsored House Bill 1322, signed into law, which establishes the Renewable Energy Authority in Colorado to investigate new, sustainable energy technologies to reduce U.S. dependence on oil and gas. The program is a collaborative research effort among the National Renewable Energy Lab, Colorado State University, University of Colorado and the Colorado School of Mines.
Paccione also cosponsored SB-38, a bill that would have doubled ethanol use during winter months. It would have required 75 percent of all gasoline sold in Colorado to contain at least 10 percent ethanol from November to April. Governor Owens vetoed the bill this month.
"Ethanol is a key component of any energy strategy," Paccione said. "Coupled with wind, solar, and other renewables, American ethanol will help us bring our energy policy into the 21st Century."
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