Senator John Thune today emphasized his support for the Open Fuel Standard Act (S. 835), which would significantly increase the number of flex fuel vehicles produced by U.S. auto manufacturers. Senator Thune is an original cosponsor of the bipartisan bill. “Flex fuel vehicles can create jobs in both the automobile... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune issued the following statement in response to the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) approval of a so-called low-carbon fuel standard that unfairly penalizes biofuels: “The California Air Resources Board’s decision to unfairly target ethanol for carbon emissions from around the world is one that could have a... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues in sending a letter to fellow Senators urging them to cosponsor the Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act (S.658). This legislation would expand access to medical care for veterans who live far from Veterans Administration (VA) facilities. Senator Thune is... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today sent a letter to Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) administrator Timothy Meeks urging the development of a wind power permitting process that does not unduly burden wind developers and land owners while at the same time accounting for wildlife habitat preservation issues. “South Dakota has the... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today introduced a bill that would require the Secretary of the Treasury to use taxpayer funds returned by financial institutions under the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) to reduce the national debt. Several financial institutions that received TARP funding have returned or expressed an interest in returning... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today criticized an announcement from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson that could result in the implementation of new regulations on carbon dioxide and methane gases, including the creation of a “cow tax.” EPA’s proposed endangerment findings could result in further regulation of carbon dioxide and... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune announced today that South Dakotans have the chance to comment on a proposal that would allow a higher percentage of ethanol to be blended with gasoline for use in non-flex fuel engines. Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) moved forward with a fuel waiver application that would... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), criticized today’s decision by the Obama Administration to not pursue the development of the Next Generation Bomber. “I am puzzled by this decision by President Obama. Only three months ago, Secretary Gates wrote in the Foreign Affairs journal... Continue Reading
U.S. Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA), John Thune (R-SD) and Tim Johnson (D-SD) today introduced legislation that authorizes loan guarantees for the construction of renewable fuel pipeline projects. While the Midwest and Plains states produce the majority of the biofuels in the United States, the nation is currently lacking the infrastructure... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today offered the first amendment to the Democratic budget that would prohibit the collection of funds from any future cap and trade proposal if that proposal would increase electricity rates and gasoline prices for American households and businesses. “As American families and businesses are struggling to make... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune expressed new concerns about a potential cattle tax this week after learning the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sent a proposal to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on Friday that could pave the way for new regulations on carbon dioxide and methane gases. Following a ruling... Continue Reading
Senators John Thune (R-SD), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) today reintroduced legislation that would fix the flawed definition of renewable biomass in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The definition of “Renewable Biomass” in the 2007 Energy Bill excludes any material removed from national forests and... Continue Reading
