To the editor:
I remember the energy crisis in the 1970s. It was a tremendous shock as gasoline prices spiked, and Americans realized how vulnerable we had become to the impulses of foreign leaders on the other side of the globe.
Now, Middle Eastern members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) have announced an alliance with Russia to cut global energy production and increase the price we will pay at the pump. Russians have helped ensure that unfriendly nations reliant on oil revenues will continue to profit from America’s addiction to fossil fuels.
Sen. Todd Young reminded us during the campaign he was a Marine who is committed to America’s security. As a farmer and fellow veteran, I hope Sen. Young will support one policy that has worked consistently for more than a decade to reduce our foreign oil consumption. It’s the Renewable Fuel Standard, requiring oil companies to integrate more homegrown biofuels into the fuel supply.
Ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline and boosts local economies because it is made here in Indiana from our corn. Nationwide, the RFS has helped cut foreign oil use by almost half since 2005, according to fuelsamerica.org.
Big oil billionaires and foreign potentates are pressuring the Trump administration to stop blending ethanol in our gasoline.
We need Sen. Todd Young to stand up for Indiana farmers and pledge to support for the RFS. Please call Sen. Young at 202-224-5623 and tell him to support farmers and the Renewable Fuel Standard.
Ronnie Mohr
Greenfield
