Video Shows Congress It's Easy to Save Taxpayers $6 Billion and Cut Fuel Costs

"All I Need to Know About U.S. Ethanol Subsidies" Highlights the Benefits of Letting 30 Years of Subsidies, Tariffs Expire on December 31

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- UNICA today released a new video, "All I Need to Know About U.S. Ethanol Subsidies," that explains to taxpayers how Congress could save them $6 billion per year and help lower prices at the pump.  All lawmakers have to do is let 30 years of ethanol tax credits and trade protection expire on December 31.

Current U.S. ethanol policies include an interlocking system of subsidies and tariffs that cost taxpayers $6 billion per year (and a total of $45 billion since 1980), contribute to fluctuating gas prices and make sugarcane ethanol practically unavailable in the U.S.  The video helps demystify these policies, explains the environmental, economic and energy security benefits of greater competition in the biofuels sector and debunks a number of myths promoted by defenders of the status quo.

"Americans are increasingly writing and calling Congress to urge that it's time to allow clean, renewable energy sources like sugarcane ethanol into the U.S.," said Joel Velasco, UNICA's Chief Representative in North America.  "Their letters and phone calls all echo one thing: they are tired of having their tax dollars used to keep these options out of reach and to support a thriving industry that's already the world's largest."

Sugarcane ethanol is a clean, renewable and affordable fuel produced from sugarcane, which is grown in the United States, Brazil and more than 100 countries.  Like other forms of ethanol, it can be added to gasoline and used in all American vehicles at blends up to 10 percent ethanol.  UNICA argues that allowing sugarcane ethanol to compete fairly in the U.S. would save American consumers money at the pump, cut dependence on imported oil and improve the environment.

Brazil took an important first step to build an open and global biofuels marketplace by eliminating its tariff on imported ethanol through the end of 2011.  UNICA is asking the Brazilian government to make the tariff elimination permanent if Congress will do the same and drop the U.S. tax on imported ethanol.

"We are 100 days away from cleaner and more abundant energy choices at less volatile prices if Congress lets the ethanol subsidy and tariff expire on December 31," concluded Velasco.  "We hope American drivers take a few minutes to watch this video and see how their fill-ups could be improved."

The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) is the leading trade association for the sugarcane industry in Brazil, representing nearly two-thirds of all sugarcane production and processing in the country. UNICA's priorities include serving as a source for credible information and analysis about the efficiency and sustainability of sugarcane products, particularly its biofuels. The association works to encourage the continuous advancement of sustainable practices throughout the sugarcane industry and to promote biofuels as a clean, reliable alternative to fossil fuels. To learn more, visit SweeterAlternative.com.

SOURCE Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA)