Embracing biofuels to create a sustainable future

OPINION:

As the only meteorologist in Congress, I can tell you for certain: our climate is changing, and extreme weather events are negatively impacting our communities. In Congress, I am working to make sure that our nation takes action to combat these threats.

This year, I am joining my colleagues, energy experts, industry leaders, and administration officials in celebrating the 7th Annual National Clean Energy Week (NCEW), a recognition of the extraordinary steps our nation has taken to advance clean energy policy and lead the world in lowering global emissions.

As a member of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology and the House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Energy, I work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance climate policies that embrace sound science, empower American innovation, and benefit the U.S. economy the very foundation of NCEW.

In Central and Northwestern Illinois, we understand that in addition to addressing the impacts of extreme weather and helping us meet our goal of net-zero emissions clean energy creates good-paying union jobs and sustainable growth for our communities. That is a commitment we can all get behind.

Addressing the climate crisis is critical, but Americans have been making progress. We have taken huge strides toward reducing global emissions through advanced manufacturing techniques and low-carbon energy production, including a major driver of economic prosperity in my district and across the United States: biofuels.

I helped introduced the bipartisan Next Generation Fuels Act to ensure our producers have the support they need to strengthen American agriculture and biofuels production. This critical legislation promotes low-carbon, high-octane fuels, to lower emissions, improve vehicle efficiency, and performance.

By removing regulatory barriers, this bill will help unleash the full potential offered by American biofuels which is a common-sense step toward lowering fuel prices at home, achieving energy independence, and solidifying U.S. clean energy leadership.

I will continue to work in a bipartisan way to ensure biofuels producers, farmers, and our workers have the tools they need to create a future that is green, sustainable, and bright for our economy, our jobs, and our climate and I believe we are on the right track.

National Clean Energy Week is about increasing bipartisan collaboration and working together toward a clean energy future. It is our responsibility to build a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. I’m proud to join in this celebration to do just that.

• Eric Sorensen, Illinois Democrat, represents the state’s 17th Congressional District. He proudly represents Illinois farmers on the House Agriculture Committee and uses his background in science as Ranking Member on the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee on the Science, Space, & Technology Committee.