The National 25x'25 Steering Committee applauds President Obama and the members of the Biofuels Interagency Working Group for the actions announced February 3, 2010 recognizing the role of biofuels in a new, clean energy future. In a report issued by the working group, the administration unveiled a plan that will boost the development of biofuels that could generate billions of dollars in additional revenue for rural America. The Steering Committee believes that administration proposals for a reinvigorated USDA-run Biomass Crop Assistance Program will spur the expansion of dedicated non-food crops for renewable energy and biofuel production. The final rule adopted by EPA to implement the Renewable Fuels Standard is a step forward, recognizing that first-generation ethanol can, and will continue, to contribute to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The Steering Committee welcomes the administration's recognition of the contributions that farmers, ranchers and forestland owners can make to enhance our energy independence, boost our economy and improve our environment. These announcements signal to investors that solutions from the land provide valuable and sustainable returns. However, we call on the White House and Congress to maintain the momentum of today's actions and quickly adopt a comprehensive, stable and long-term energy policy.

Leaders from DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol LLC, the University of Tennessee, Genera Energy and Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen cut the ribbon on a cellulosic ethanol demonstration plant near Vonore, TN during the weekend, according to Biomass Magazine.

The 74,000-square-foot plant started producing ethanol using agricultural residue and bioenergy crops, including corncobs and switchgrass.