Coalition Applauds Senators for Efforts to End Ethanol Subsidies

A coalition of livestock and poultry groups released a statement today commending Sens. Jim Webb, D-Va., and Tom Coburn, R-Okla., along with 12 of their colleagues, for asking Senate leadership to terminate the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC) and tariff on imported ethanol as soon as possible.

"The 73-27 Senate vote on June 16 made it clear that there was no further need for the VEETC or import tariff," the group said in a statement. "Unfortunately, the current compromise continues providing taxpayer support for corn-based ethanol. That money would be better spent reducing the deficit or encouraging the development of energy sources that do not compete with animal agriculture feed needs."The group commended Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., for her work to end the VEETC and tariff. "This is not the time to create yet another support for an industry that should be able to stand on its own two feet," they added.

Joining the statement were: American Meat Institute, California Dairies, Inc., National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Chicken Council, National Meat Association, National Pork Producers Council, and National Turkey Federation.