Dennis Schminke:

I support bio-fuels at current levels for two good reasons:

1) We ought not pull the rug out from under people who have invested in these industries in good faith--based on government policies

2) We have 'cracked open' the possibly market-blocking monopoly status of the petroleum industry and offer other possibilities to consumers--and enough of it has been done to achieve needed economies of scale.

That said, I would like the market to dictate future expansion of the industries.  I have no basic problem with using corn, soybeans, or any other input for the creation of fuel-type energy sources.  I hope our farmers can make a lot of money doing it, as they might for ANY value-added use for their products, especially if/when consumers DEMAND them because they are better/faster/cheaper.

A house member must represent ALL constituents, and must be wary of imposing costs on the general public for the benefit of a particular group. Thus, as a matter of general principle, I would oppose subsidies, mandates, or import tariffs.  This would be true whether we are talking Obamacare, wind/solar energy, bio-fuels, or the maximum size of fast-foods soft drinks.

Next week : Blogging For Biofuels will feature views from Rep. Rod Hamilton, Cheryl Avenel - Navara, Rep. Bob Gunther, Pat Bacon and Jeff Johnson.