Opinion: Is there a leader with a clear biofuels vision for 2024 and beyond?
Opinion: Is there a leader with a clear biofuels vision for 2024 and beyond? Des Moines Register
sdgtalks
Bill Couser: A Vision for Biofuels in America
- Bill Couser is a farmer, rancher, and biofuels investor.
Is there a leader with a clear vision for American energy policy? A vision where America is energy secure, free of dependence from foreign oil and Chinese batteries? A vision of clean energy and clear skies? A vision where American energy simultaneously creates good paying jobs while reducing the pressure on our pocketbooks? In short, a biofuels vision for America.
As Iowa is both the leading producer of biofuels and home to the first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses, this provides a wonderful opportunity to educate candidates on the important role Midwest energy production should play in their national energy visions.
One of the best ways to learn is to see something with your own eyes. We want to encourage candidates, while visiting Iowa, to visit Iowa’s ethanol and biodiesel plants and see first-hand the technological sophistication, the efficient production, the skilled labor force, and of course, the acre upon acre of biofuel feedstocks produced by Iowa farmers. Iowa and the Midwest are ready, willing, and able to both fuel and feed the world.
If a candidate will do this, they will undoubtedly learn what folks here already know — that the center of America is ready to be at the center of an American energy vision.
Biofuels Vision 2024
Biofuels Vision 2024, a coalition of Iowa organizations and citizens, is committed to educating all presidential candidates about the importance of renewable fuels to Iowa and the Midwest. Further, the coalition will educate Iowa caucus voters on the candidates’ individual biofuels vision for America.
Iowa needs a leader who will not overlook “flyover” country. Last year in Iowa alone, 4.5 billion gallons of ethanol were produced from 1.6 billion bushels of corn, while 1.9 billion pounds of soybean oil from 162 million bushels of soybeans went into producing biodiesel. A recent study of the contribution of renewable fuels production on the economy of Iowa, prepared for the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, found that biofuels support more than 57,000 jobs and generate $3.5 billion of income for Iowa households.
Production of homegrown, American energy means we do not have to rely on foreign sources. Keeping biofuel production in the United States also creates jobs in rural America. Furthermore, renewable fuels provide consumers affordable and clean choices at the pump. As Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa is fond of saying: “Biofuels are good, good, good.”
The next time you see a candidate for president, ask them: what’s your biofuels vision for America?
Bill Couser is a farmer, rancher, and biofuels investor.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- SDG 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.
- SDG 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Increased production of biofuels from corn and soybeans.
- Number of jobs supported by biofuels production.
- Amount of income generated by biofuels production.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | – Increased production of biofuels from corn and soybeans. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation. | – Number of jobs supported by biofuels production. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable. | – Increased production of biofuels from corn and soybeans. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. | – Amount of income generated by biofuels production. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: desmoinesregister.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
