Biofuels and Biomass

Biofuel and biomass products supplement traditional fossil fuels, providing Americans with a versatile, natural energy source to power vehicles and generate electricity. Widespread use of liquid biofuels can lead to more stable prices at the gas pump and cleaner vehicle emissions. As Governor, I promoted the expansion of Virginia’s liquid fuels infrastructure and bioenergy production capacity in my comprehensive Energy Plan.¹ During my term, I was proud to announce the opening of a new Synergy Biofuels facility in Lee County² and awarded $10 million in federal funds to 15 biomass projects across Virginia.³ I also signed a biofuels incentive grant to encourage production, with a special incentive for sources that are not used for food.⁴

• As Senator, I will end subsidies for inefficient corn-based fuels.

• I will support the utilization of byproducts like logging waste and landfill gas to generate electricity and conserve landfill capacity.

• I will support the growth of Virginia’s biofuel and biomass industries to create jobs, produce valuable goods for export, and advance our energy independence by tapping into the Commonwealth’s native resources.

 

 

¹Commonwealth of Virginia. Department of Mines, Minerals, & Energy. The Virginia Energy Plan. 2007.
²Office of the Governor. “Governor Kaine Announces 30 new jobs for Lee County.” December 2007.
³Virginia Business.com. “Virginia biomass projects receive $10 million in federal stimulus. January 2010.
⁴Office of the Governor. “Governor Kaine Announces Legislation to Promote Green Jobs.” January 2009.