The Governors’ Biofuels Coalition is calling on President Obama to tap the job growth potential of the biofuels industry.

According to the 35 member coalition, the nation’s biofuels industry is poised to provide immediate job growth, generate economic activity and prepare the nation for the next increase in world oil prices and they are urging the president to capitalize on the opportunity.

Coalition chairman Governor John Hoeven of North Dakota says biofuels are helping to transform communities, broaden the tax base and provide solid job growth. “Help from the federal government in terms of fiscal support and policy leadership could revitalize this critical industry, create jobs, spur investment and strengthen the ability of biofuels to address the economic, energy and environmental challenges that face our nation,” said Governor Hoeven.

During a Washington press conference today, the coalition urged President Obama to take specific actions to advance the contribution of the biofuels industry to the nation’s workforce, economy and energy security including the establishment an interagency task force on lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and transportation fuels, involving the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They are also requesting an immediate ruling from EPA approving 13 percent ethanol blendss, which are already within EPA’s allowable variance.

In addition, the coalition called for a grassroots effort to strengthen and broaden public awareness and support for biofuels development and market availability, acknowledging support and cooperation from a number of organizations including the American Coalition for Ethanol, Growth Energy, Biotechnology Industry Organization, Renewable Fuels Association, National Biodiesel Board,
Clean Fuels Development Coalition, Environmental and Energy Study Institute, National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition and 25x’25.