WASHINGTON, May 21 /PRNewswire/ --
Today, the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) issued the following statement in response to President Bush's veto of the Farm Bill:
The President's veto of the Farm Bill is an opportunity for Congress to reexamine the 54 cent per gallon secondary import tariff on ethanol. With gasoline and corn prices at record highs and the summer driving season right around the corner, this tariff prevents Americans from recognizing the price savings that increased ethanol imports would bring consumers.
Greater utilization of sugarcane ethanol would complement growing U.S. demand for ethanol as a replacement for gasoline, according to Joel Velasco, Chief Representative of the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA). In his view, more sugarcane ethanol would also reduce the price pressure on food and gas prices, improve the U.S. carbon profile and potentially help developing countries grow their economies by offering American consumers renewable, sustainable biofuels from feedstocks such as sugarcane.
Velasco concludes that removing this barrier to lower consumer costs at the gas pump will help correct the misguided policy that currently allows for the trade of fossil fuels without any commercial barrier, but subjects cleaner, renewable and sustainable biofuels to a widening array of trade distortions.
About UNICA
The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) is the largest organization representing the sugarcane and bioethanol sectors. It speaks and acts in Brazil and around the world on behalf of the country's leading sugar, ethanol and bioelectricity producers. UNICA's more than 100 member companies represent over 50% of the ethanol and 60% of the sugar produced in Brazil.
UNICA is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of representatives of its members companies and has a full-time staff of experienced executives, specialists and technical advisors. UNICA's expertise covers key areas including the environment, energy, technology, international trade, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, regulation, economics and communications. In May 2008, UNICA opened an international office in Brussels, which followed the opening of an office in the United States in late 2007. An office is also scheduled to open in Asia in 2008. These international offices are part of a policy to provide consumers, governments, NGOs, industry and media with objective, detailed and up-to-date information on the important socio-economic and environmental contributions of sugar, sugarcane ethanol and bioelectricity.
Contact Cameron Thomas +1-202-955-5814 cthomas@voxglobal.com
Web site: http://www.portalunica.com.br
Cameron Thomas, +1-202-955-5814, cthomas@voxglobal.com
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