“Congress had an opportunity to pass a comprehensive energy policy, but we fell short of achieving this important goal. The legislation does not fully address the most critical energy issue facing Americans today: our growing dependence on foreign oil and the impact this dependence has on our economic security and national security.”

“Thankfully, this bill contains a renewable fuel standard that increases the use of domestically produced renewable fuels to 7.5 billion gallons by 2012. This will reduce oil consumption by 2 billion barrels cumulatively over the next seven years. This change will be good for America’s economy, good for our energy security, and good for Illinois farmers. More than 40% of the ethanol consumed in the U.S. annually is produced from corn grown in Illinois. Illinois farmers stand ready and eager to meet the new challenges in this bill. I believe the renewable fuels standard can lead to greater energy security for our nation.”

“This bill could have been a roadmap to a new energy future in America. Democrats offered a plan to reduce America’s dependence on imported oil by 40 percent by 2025. This goal was a realistic goal that was defeated by many Senators who do not have the vision of an America free of the pressures of OPEC. I have enough faith in American ingenuity and know-how to believe that our scientists and engineers can help lead the way toward energy independence.”

“This is only the beginning, and not the end, of the energy debate in America.”