The Renewable Fuels Association sent a letter to President Obama about the ethanol industry in response to what they felt was a question of the commitment of ethanol producers and advocates during the President’s Twitter Town Hall. The letter points out the U.S. ethanol industry is the largest in the world – producing more than 13-billion gallons of ethanol each year and reducing imported oil needs by 445-million barrels each year. RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen says not only is American-made ethanol the most cost-effective motor fuel in the market today – it also creates around 400-thousand jobs.

Dinneen notes ethanol production is showing tremendous energy benefits with current ethanol production producing up to 2.3-units of energy for every unit of energy used. He says ethanol producers are getting more ethanol-per-bushel of corn and using fewer BTUs and gallons of water in the process. He also says American ethanol producers get nearly 100-gallons of ethanol from one ton of corn compared to Brazilian sugarcane producers who get 25-gallons per ton. Dinneen says that shows America’s ethanol industry is setting the curve in technology innovation – and now is not the time to question the industry’s progress or efficiency. He says the U.S. ethanol industry should be a source of pride because it is a sparkling example of what made America great – the imagination to dream and the ability to make that dream a reality.

House Republicans insist that President Obama is making the regulatory climate repressive for business – causing unemployment to rise. As a result – House Republicans plan to take up a bill – the Regulations of the Executive in Need of Review Act – this summer. The REINS Act would require Congressional approval of any new regulation with an economic cost of more than 100-million dollars. The House may have enough votes to pass the measure – but much debate would be expected in the Senate – if it makes it to the floor at all.

Some Senators – including Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy who is the Judiciary Committee Chairman – say such a measure would lead to even more gridlock. Republicans are firm believers that the private sector needs relief from federal regulation. Ohio Senator Rob Portman is a leader in the effort to require regulations in areas like nuclear safety, crop subsidies and auto fuel efficiency to gain Congressional approval before they go into effect. Supporting Senators say the U.S. needs to prevent disruptive regulations by presidents from taking effect without the consent of Congress. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley and Kentucky Senator Geoff Davis support this regulation legislation and say even if it doesn’t get passed this year – it will be part of their party’s campaign in 2012.