VIDEO: Ricketts Secures Passage of Renewable Fuels Month Resolution on Senate Floor

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) called a voice vote on the Senate floor to pass his Renewable Fuels Month resolution. The resolution highlights the critical role renewable fuels, like ethanol and biodiesel, play in lowering fuel prices for consumers, unleashing American energy independence, supporting rural communities, and protecting the environment.

"Renewable fuels are great for consumers to help save you money at the pump." said Ricketts. "Last time I filled up with a 10% blend of ethanol, I saved 55 cents a gallon at my local grocery store. My congressman has told me that he fills up with E15 is able to save $1 a gallon. It's also great for cleaning up the environment, reduces carbon emissions and particulate emissions, NOx emissions. And then, of course, it's great for our farmers and ranchers."

"Renewable fuels are part of an American First Energy dominance strategy. They are great for our country," said Ricketts. "To that end, I would want to make May Renewable Fuels Month, as I did in Nebraska. I made that proclamation when I was Governor. So, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to consideration of S.Res.747 which was submitted earlier today."

Watch the video here.

TRANSCRIPT

Senator Ricketts: "Mr. President, I rise today to talk about the benefits of renewable fuels.

"My state of Nebraska is a leader in renewable fuels.

"We've got 24 ethanol plants, for example, that create 2.2 billion gallons of ethanol, and that, according to Renewable Fuels Association, has allowed us to avoid importing about 640 million barrels of foreign oil.

"Renewable fuels are great for consumers to help save you money at the pump.

"Last time I filled up with a 10% blend of ethanol, I saved 55 cents a gallon at my local grocery store.

"My congressman has told me that he fills up with E15 is able to save $1 a gallon.

"It's also great for cleaning up the environment, reduces carbon emissions and particulate emissions, NOx emissions.

"And then, of course, it's great for our farmers and ranchers.

"Renewable fuels are part of an American First Energy dominance strategy.

"They are great for our country.

"To that end, I would want to make May Renewable Fuels Month, as I did in Nebraska.

"I made that proclamation when I was Governor.

"So, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to consideration of SRES 747 which was submitted earlier today."