FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 14, 2007

CONTACT: Becky Grisham, Missouri Corn Growers Association, (573) 893-4181 or (800) 827-4181

SENATE PASSES MOMENTOUS ENERGY BILL
Farmers Applaud Strong Support for Renewable Fuels

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.)--The Missouri Corn Growers Association (MGCA) heartily congratulates the U.S. Senate for overwhelmingly passing the Energy Independence and Security Act yesterday evening. The historic measure calls for a national commitment to energy security by requiring the use of 15 billion gallons of corn-based ethanol by 2015 and a total of 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels be utilized by 2022.

"The U.S. Senate has taken an aggressive step to move our energy needs out of the hands of precarious foreign leaders and place it squarely in the hands of America's farmers," says Mike Geske, MCGA president and farmer from Matthews, Mo. "Corn growers have proven that we are up this monumental challenge and stand ready to grow energy in the Midwest instead of importing it from the Middle East."

Passing by a resounding vote of 86-8, senators put politics aside to approve a historic energy bill that requires the use of 9 billion gallons of renewable fuels in 2008, steadily increasing to 36 billion gallons by 2022. The Energy Independence and Security Act, known as H.R. 6, also calls for research to advance the construction of ethanol pipelines, utilization of higher ethanol blends and the optimization of flex fuel vehicles. The legislation now returns to the House for final approval before being sent to the president, who has indicated he will sign the measure.

"We applaud House and Senate leadership for their tenacity and fortitude in passing this strong, meaningful legislation. Thanks to their vision, our country will benefit from the economic and energy security that ethanol provides," Geske says. "Missouri is known as the Show-Me State and we call upon the House and the president to show us a final bill and secure a firm footing for our nation's energy needs."

To learn more, visit MCGA's Web site at www.mocorn.org or call the Missouri Corn office at 1-800-827-4181.