WASHINGTON, D.C. – "Bakers from all over the country applaud today’s Congressional actions to end subsidies for corn-based ethanol,” said Robb MacKie, American Bakers Association (ABA) president and CEO. “It is time to restore balance between food and fuel crops and wean corn-based ethanol from federal support. After 30 years, it is time for ethanol to discover the free market."
"We applaud Senators Coburn and Feinstein, as well as Rep. Flake, for their leadership on behalf of bakers and more importantly consumers,” continued MacKie. "We particularly appreciate the overwhelming support of bakers these past three years for keeping the pressure on their elected representatives."
The Senate voted by an overwhelming majority of 73 to 27 to approve a bipartisan amendment to the Economic Development Revitalization Act offered by Sens. Tom Coburn (R-OK) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) that would bring an end to the $0.45 per gallon VEETC, that will save billions in taxpayer dollars.
The U.S. House of Representatives approved an amendment by Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) that would prohibit the USDA from allocating funds for ethanol infrastructure, including blender pumps and storage facilities. Rep. Flake’s amendment was passed by an enormous majority of 283 to 128. This is a clear sign of growing support for ending subsidies for corn-based ethanol. The Flake amendment received 22 more votes than it did when it originally passed the House in February.
"When ABA called on bakers to march on Washington three years ago as part of the Band of Bakers, it started a sea change of attitudes around the country and on Capitol Hill. We hope these efforts will be finalized this year," concluded MacKie.
About the American Bakers Association:
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the Washington D.C.-based voice of the wholesale baking industry. Since 1897, ABA has represented the interests of bakers before the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory authorities. ABA advocates on behalf of more than 700 baking facilities and baking company suppliers. ABA members produce bread, rolls, crackers, bagels, sweet goods, tortillas and many other wholesome, nutritious, baked products for America’s families. The baking industry generates more than $70 billion in economic activity annually and employs close to half a million highly skilled people.
Source: American Bakers Association