Ross Hosts Biofuels Conference on Campus
Michael Ford
Senior Staff Writer
Congressman Mike Ross hosted a conference focused on the
future development of biofuels in Arkansas
Thursday, March 27 in the Fine Arts Center Auditorium.
The conference featured five panelists that are experts in the biofuels field.
After an introduction by Ross, each of the panelist gave about a 10-minute
lecture followed by a question-and-answer session.
The panelists were James D. McMillan, manager of Biorefining Process R&D;
Matthew H. Pelkki, professor of forestry; Ron Barmore, director of
project development for Range Fuels; Dick Carmical, CEO of Price Companies; and
Todd Coleman, technical associate at FutureFuel Chemical Company.
Ross told the audience in his opening speech that when they fill up at the
pump, they are indirectly putting money in the hands of terrorists who want to
harm them.
"We must find ways to reduce our dependence on foreign oil," he said.
"In order to do this, it is essential we come up with a comprehensive
energy plan."
Ross recently introduced the American Made Energy Act of 2008, HR 5437. Ross
said this legislation would put the nation on a path towards energy
independence as well as create more jobs. The bill makes the largest investment
in the history of America
in alternative and renewable energy, according to Ross.
"Some environmentalists are upset with the plan and some oil companies are
upset with the plan," Ross said. "I've got both of those groups mad
at me, so I must be doing something right."
Ross said establishing Arkansas
as a leader and producer of alternative fuels will not only lessen its
dependence on foreign oil, but it will also help create new jobs.
"It will provide new markets for our farm families and land owners as well
as protect our environment and openly reduce the price we pay at the
pump," he said.
Ross said he could not think of a better place to establish a forest bioenergy
research program than at the University
of Arkansas at Monticello.
"I truly believe that by investing in domestic and homegrown energy
innovations, we can take our country in a new direction - one that leads to
energy independence, a cleaner environment, lower energy prices for all
Americans and the creation of thousands of green-collar jobs in the United
States and Southeast Arkansas," he said.
Reprinted with permission from the Ashley County News Observer.
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