by Tom Tanton, Director of Science and Technology Assessment
Stockton Record

Last week marked the end of the 2013 legislative session. Despite the annual ritual of political gamesmanship, party leaders actually came together in a rare act of solidarity to oppose a controversial energy policy being implemented by the Obama Administration.

As I testified to Congress last year, increasing levels of biofuels mandated in California have already harmed food prices, the environment, employment, vehicles and our economy.

Led by the efforts of Central Valley legislators Republican Kristin Olsen and Democrat Susan Eggman, the California State Legislature passed a joint resolution urging Congress to reform the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program and to quickly transition away from biofuel sources that compete with food production, such as corn-ethanol. Central Valley lawmakers cited huge costs to consumers as well as harmful results to the region’s economy and environment.

Read more