Recent Press Releases

Thune Calls on Democrats to End Obstruction of Alternative Fuels Bill

"The time for partisan politics has passed; the time for progress and fulfilling campaign promises is now."

November 16, 2006

Washington, DC —  Senator John Thune (R-SD) today issued the following statement regarding the continued refusal of one or more Senate Democrats to remove anonymous holds on legislation he and Sen. Ken Salazar (D-CO) introduced to greatly increase access to ethanol and other home-grown renewable fuels for consumers across the country:

"With the partisanship of the election season behind us, it's a mystery to me why some of my Democrat colleagues are still operating in campaign mode-blocking sound, bipartisan legislation that can assist in reducing our dependence on foreign oil purely for partisan reasons," Thune said. "The need to explore and pursue alternative energy options was a major theme on the Democrat platform this fall. Why, then, are a handful of Democrats continuing to block energy legislation that already passed the House of Representatives overwhelmingly, has wide bipartisan support, and will boost access to ethanol and other renewable fuels for all consumers? The time for partisan politics has passed; the time for progress and fulfilling campaign promises is now."

The Alternative Fuel Grant Program would provide grants (up to $30,000) to gas stations owners across the country for the installation of alternative fuel pumps, giving consumers greater opportunities to opt for cleaner, American-grown sources of energy such as E-85 ethanol, compressed natural gas or bio-diesel, in an effort to reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil. The legislation has wide bipartisan support in the Senate; was cleared by the relevant Senate committees; overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 355 - 9; and enjoys the support of the nation's leading automakers, agriculture groups, and alternative energy organizations.