Consumers have suffered enough from tight fuel supplies and soaring prices at the pump, while the petroleum industry continues to reap record corporate profits.

Ethanol needs to be part of the goal that helps reduce our major dependence of foreign oil. We've never said that ethanol would be the only alternative ... it's just the most viable alternative we have in the United States today.

We are probably overdue for this.

The U.S. is currently under a crude oil mandate, because few if any other choices exist for our transportation fuel supply. Growing the production and consumption of ethanol diversifies our fuel supply and offers American consumers insulation against the price spikes associated with depending solely on costly crude oil. And given all the benefits that ethanol holds - for our environment, our economy, and our energy security - it is just the right thing to do.

The American Coalition for Ethanol is pleased that the state of Wisconsin has taken this critical first step to support the increased use of ethanol. The state has developed a strong local ethanol industry, and ensuring that much of that Wisconsin-made ethanol is used in Wisconsin is one way to secure its continued success and to make the state less dependent upon outside sources of energy.

We've been working on this quite awhile. I feel like our business plan is strong.