New Missouri Governor Supports Ethanol
Posted: January 29, 2009
Facing tough decisions with a shrinking state budget, Gov. Jay Nixon reaffirmed his strong support for agriculture and Missouri’s farmer-owned ethanol cooperatives during his State of the State address this week. A testament of his commitment to rural farm families, the newly elected governor called for full funding of the Missouri Qualified Fuel Ethanol Producer Incentive Fund.
“We know that within Missouri’s own agricultural capacity lies a possible solution to our nation’s energy crisis,” said Governor Nixon. “Missouri must remain on the leading edge of efforts to develop the renewable energy sources of our future. That’s why my budget provides full funding for ethanol and bio-fuels.”
Missouri’s corn growers applauded the governor’s recommendation which will now be sent on to the state legislature. Missouri Corn Growers Association president Mike Geske said, “We anticipate strong support from the General Assembly and look forward to working with them as they move through this process. Now is not the time to cut a program that generates additional state revenue, creates jobs and stimulates the state’s economy.”
Based on the amount of capital invested and employment estimates for Missouri’s six established ethanol facilities, the University of Missouri’s Economic and Policy Analysis Research Center estimates “the cumulative, present value impact” of Missouri’s ethanol industry to be $2.057 billion over 25 years.