Sugarcane Ethanol Producers Applaud Senate Vote to End Import Tariff

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Senate's 73-27 vote on an amendment offered by Senators Tom Coburn (R-OK) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) that would end the ethanol tax credit and import tariff.  This statement should be attributed to Leticia Phillips, UNICA's Representative in North America.

"Today's vote by the U.S. Senate demonstrates overwhelming support for reforming U.S. ethanol policy and is an important step towards developing a global market for clean energy.  Ending the 30-year-old tariff on imported ethanol will help lower fuel prices and provide Americans with greater access to clean and affordable renewable fuels like sugarcane ethanol.

"Consumers win when businesses have to compete in an open market, because competition produces higher quality products at lower costs. The same principle holds true for renewable fuels.  Allowing other alternative fuels like sugarcane ethanol to compete fairly in the U.S. will save Americans money, cut dependence on Middle East oil and improve the environment.

"Brazil ended government subsidies for ethanol more than a decade ago and eliminated its ethanol tariff early last year. We are pleased that the Senate voted to have the United States do the same. As the world's top producers of ethanol, the U.S. and Brazil should lead by example in creating a free market for clean, renewable energy.  We urge the House of Representatives to follow suit and the President to sign legislation ending this unfair trade barrier."

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. For further information, please visit www.SweeterAlternative.com.  

SOURCE Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA)

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