FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2012 

Contact: Melisa Augusto, 202-314-3191
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Dan McEvily, 202-314-3104
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WASHINGTON (August 2, 2012) – National Farmers Union (NFU) joined a coalition of agriculture, renewable energy, and national security organizations urging the U.S. Senate’s Subcommittee for Defense Appropriations to support Department of Defense (DoD) funding for accelerated production of domestically produced, advanced, drop-in biofuels for military use.

In a letter addressed to Chairman Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, and Ranking Member Thad Cochran, R-Miss., the coalition noted the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) entered by the DOD with the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Energy last year that pledged a federal investment of $510 million in partnership with the private sector. Under the MUO’s terms, $170 million would be provided by each participating agency.

“The purpose of the MOU is consistent with history. The U.S. military has worked with Congress to develop and deploy innovative technologies that have improved national security and strengthened American military superiority at sea, in the skies and on the battlefield,” the coalition stated.

The letter was signed by the Advanced Biofuels Association, Air Line Pilots Association, Airlines For America, Algal Biomass Organization, American Farm Bureau Federation, Biotechnology Industry Organization, National Farmers Union, Operation Free, and the Pew Project on National Security, Energy & Climate.

“Adopting advanced, ‘drop-in’ biofuels will help the DoD and the nation achieve broader national security objectives,” the letter stated. “U.S. access to the world’s oil supplies is not guaranteed. Continued reliance on foreign oil puts U.S. troops at risk of supply disruptions during military or humanitarian missions.”

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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