MonticelloLive

U.S. Representative Mike Ross is teaming up with UAM to host a conference Thursday, focusing  on the future development of biofuels in Arkansas.

The conference aims to bring together nationally renowned biofuel experts in the field and community leaders to discuss strategies to develop biofuels in Arkansas. 

“Everyday in the United States, we consume approximately 21 million barrels of oil, of which 12 million are imported,” Ross said. “Therefore, we must decrease our dependence on foreign oil and increase our energy security by investing in new energy sources. Arkansas is well poised to become a national leader in the biofuels industry, and I am hopeful that this conference will help to spur these industries and create economic development in our state. Creating alternative and renewable energy from biomass would provide new markets for our forestry and farming industries, lessen our dependence on foreign oil, protect our environment and reduce the price consumers pay at the pump.”

Ross recently introduced comprehensive energy legislation, the American Made Energy Act of 2008, in the U.S. House of Representatives to increase our nation’s energy security and put our nation on a path towards energy independence. Ross’ legislation makes the largest investment in American made alternative and renewable energy in our nation’s history. Ross is a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Committee where he plays a key role to help remedy our nation’s energy crisis. 

“With Americans facing increased utility costs, and combined with ever-rising gas prices, it is time that we move towards policies focused on energy independence and increased energy security,” Ross said. “As we continue the discussion of energy policy, whether it is in Arkansas or in Washington, I truly believe that in order to increase our energy independence and lessen our dependence on foreign oil, we must invest in renewable biofuels like cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel.

The Arkansas Biofuels Conference will be held Thursday at 1:00 p.m. in the UAM Fine Arts Center Auditorium. 

Panelists for the conference include representatives from the from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, FutureFuel Chemical Company, Range Fuels, the Price Companies, and the University of Arkansas at Monticello, among others.