Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for Renewable Fuel Options

Nearly Nine in 10 Agree U.S. Should Pursue Renewable Energy Sources

95 Percent Blame Increasing Oil Prices for Rising Cost of Food

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new poll conducted by Harris Interactive^® shows overwhelming American support for expanding renewable fuel options with nine in 10 U.S. adults (88 percent) agreeing the U.S. should pursue renewable energy sources.

“This poll suggests that American consumers are aware of our severe dependence on foreign oil”

The poll, commissioned by the Clean Fuels Development Coalition, concludes that 72 percent of adults believe that higher oil prices have had a substantial impact on the rising cost of food in recent months, compared to only 35 percent who believe ethanol production has had a significant impact on rising food prices.

The poll, conducted online between Sept. 21 and Sept. 25, 2007, asked 2,199 U.S. adults about their attitudes regarding ethanol. Other results indicate that nearly eight in 10 adults (78 percent) believe usage of ethanol would lessen the country’s dependence on foreign oil.

Energy policy is at the forefront of national debate with pending energy legislation expected to hit congressional calendars this fall. The Senate-approved version of the energy bill contains a provision mandating the use of 36 billion gallons of ethanol by 2022.

“This poll suggests that American consumers are aware of our severe dependence on foreign oil,” said Doug Durante, executive director of the Clean Fuels Development Coalition. “We have reached a crossroads in the energy market, and consumers plainly want an alternative to imported oil. Homegrown, renewable fuels are clearly a viable answer.”

Durante and other members of Clean Fuels Development Coalition are co-sponsoring and participating in Infocast’s Cellulosic Ethanol Summit in Washington, D.C. that begins today. The three-day summit is focused on the future of ethanol, featuring leaders in the renewable energy sector as well as federal government officials and representatives of the automotive, agricultural and financial industries. More information is available at www.infocastinc.com/cell07.html.

The Clean Fuels Development Coalition (CFDC) is a not-for-profit organization that actively supports the development of new technologies and the increased production of fuels that can reduce air pollution, stimulate the economy, and lessen our dangerous dependence on imported oil. Our goal is to drive the demand for clean low-carbon fuels, like ethanol, through a combination of efforts that include collaborating with industry, educating and communicating with the media and other strategic influencers, and supporting legislative initiatives that will help us achieve our mission. More information is available at www.cleanfuelsdc.org.