Renewing the economy through renewable energy
WASHINGTON -- There are more than 7 million flex fuel vehicles on the nation's roads today. Problem is, there are only 1,985 pumps capable of dispensing E-85 to those 7 million vehicles. It is in the best interests of top ethanol producing states like Nebraska to get more E-85 pumps around the country.
The stimulus package, officially known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, has a provision sure to increase the number of E -85 pumps by increasing the tax credit to cover half the cost for service stations to install them.
This means jobs now building and installing the infrastructure, while improving the future of this clean, renewable energy which also helps Nebraska's economy as the second largest ethanol producing state in the nation.
The stimulus package will invest billions in renewable energy, energy efficiency and green transportation projects that provide jobs now and help secure America's energy security for the future. Because of Nebraska's potential in the field of green energy, the stimulus is especially good for our state.
The stimulus plan directs millions of dollars to Nebraska's State Energy Office that can be directed toward emerging renewable energy technologies they are pursuing.
Nebraska: 6th Windiest
The Nebraska Energy Department says our state has a potential wind energy capacity ranked 6th in the nation with an estimated production of 99,100 megawatts. 1 megawatt is enough to provide clean electricity to as many as 300 homes a year.
Tax incentives to install wind turbines will create thousands of jobs while providing farmers and ranchers with income improving the rural economy.
Building a bigger, better, smart transmission grid to deliver electricity generated from wind on the plains to big cities on the coast will provide additional jobs now while setting the stage for a modern energy era that is good for the country and good for the environment.
Next Generation of Biofuels
The stimulus package will greatly increase the amount of renewable fuels coming from states like Nebraska which is already a leader in this area. It will help speed the development of next-generation cellulosic ethanol that promises significant job creation as well as considerable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that for each additional one billion gallons of ethanol production that is brought on-line, as many as 20,000 new jobs could be created.
Broadening Broadband in Rural Nebraska
Clean energy provisions in the stimulus package are definitely a plus for rural states like Nebraska which is why the American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union are pleased with it.
They understand that in addition to renewable energy the new law will help expand the use of broadband coverage to rural areas which helps education, health care and allows farmers and ranchers to take advantage of technology so they can remain profitable.
Nebraska's Share: More than $1 Billion
23,000 Nebraska jobs will be created or saved in the $1.1 billion our state will receive in the stimulus plan including millions for clean energy and infrastructure projects that will create jobs today while paving the way for a promising tomorrow for those of us in rural America.