The CEOs of General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler lent their support to efforts that seek to provide 25% of America's energy needs from renewable sources by 2025, known as 25X'25.
All three auto makers have made announcements in recent months that they will be increasing production of flexible fuel vehicles, capable of running on ethanol blends up to 85%.
Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen explains ethanol's role in securing America's energy independence is contingent upon having vehicles on the road capable of utilizing higher blends of ethanol.
Ford Motor Co. Chairman William Clay Ford Jr., General Motors Corp. Chairman Rick Wagoner and Chrysler Chief Executive Thomas W. LaSorda were in Washington meeting with Congressional leaders, and are expected to meet with President Bush on June 2. Among other issues, they are expected to discuss the need to develop more biofuels and improve the delivery system across the U.S. so that more vehicles can purchase renewable fuels at the pump.
Support has been building for the 25x’25 initiative from all across the country. Over 100 organizations have endorsed the vision, including broad-based farm organizations like the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Farmers Union, and companies like Deere & Company; as well as environmental groups like NRDC, Environmental Defense and the National Wildlife Federation. In addition, Governors Jeb Bush, R-Fla., Dave Heineman, R-Neb., Tim Pawlenty, R-Minn., Brian Schweitzer, D-Mont., Ed Rendell, D-Pa., and Mitch Daniels, R-Ind., have endorsed the goal, as have the state legislatures of Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas and Vermont.