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House passes two Kucinich Amendments on Biofuel "We can grow our way out of this energy crisis"

by Open-Publishing - Monday 25 April 2005
8 comments

Edito Energy USA

Requesting Feasability Study of Mustard Seed Biodiesel

"Mr. Chairman, this is a noncontroversial amendment which authorizes a National Academy of Science study on the feasibility of mustard seed as a feedstock for biodiesel.

"Now, mustard seed has many advantages over other feedstocks, including higher oil content, it is easier to grow in colder and drier climates of the U.S., and the conversion process leaves behind an organic pesticide and herbicide. Initial research studies by the University of Idaho and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have shown favorable results.

"Now, Mr. Chairman, mustard seed has roots deep in all cultures, and it is specifically mentioned in the Bible. I want to read you a passage from Mark which will show the recognition of mustard seed as a crop that deserves recognition here.

"Mark, in the fourth chapter, talks about the Kingdom of Heaven, and says: ’It is like a mustard seed, which when sewn in the Earth is less than all the seeds that be in the Earth. But when it is sewn, it groweth up and becometh greater than all the other herbs and shooteth out great branches.’

"So something that was understood in the intelligence of the world thousands of years ago needs once again to be recognized, because what we have here is a crop that gives a great potential. And we know that farmers are key to eliminating our dependency on foreign oil and that we can grow our way out of this energy crisis. That is one of the reasons I am offering this.

"Mark is not the only place where mustard seed is mentioned. We are told that if we have faith as a grain of mustard seed, we can move mountains. Well, this is an opportunity for us to show not only faith in the good will of this House to help America take an important step towards sustainable energy, but also faith in alternative energy and faith in our own Nation. I think that we can take this opportunity to give farmers a chance for growing options for biomass feedstocks. It is imperative that we find those feedstocks that will eliminate our dependency on foreign oil as soon as possible.

"So, again, to the chairman, this is a noncontroversial amendment. It would authorize the National Academy of Sciences to study the feasibility of mustard seed as a feedstock, and I would certainly appreciate the support of the committee and of the House."

The vote on Amendment No. 25 was taken by electronic device and passed with 259 ayes, 171 noes, and 4 not voting.

Willie Nelson’s Biodiesel

Increase Pilot Programs to Invest in Alternative Fuel Vehicles

"Now, we are offering this amendment because we believe that farmers and our urban centers can work together to eliminate our dependency on oil. Farmers grow biomass feedstocks that can be processed locally to supply nearby cities such as Cleveland and Toledo."

"We can grow our way out of our energy crisis; and farmers growing biomass feedstocks that can be processed locally to supply, in our case, nearby cities such as Cleveland and Toledo can help us do that. They will benefit with new and more stable markets; our fuel supply is home grown, thus reducing our dependence on foreign oil; fuel prices are reduced; and the air we breathe is cleaner."

Forum posts

  • Thank you Dennis! I planted some mustard seeds one time, and the plants grew completely out of control, tallest plant in the garden, with no care required. It seems like the perfect plant to grow for biodiesel. Also "the conversion process leaves behind an organic pesticide and herbicide"...what could be better for reclaiming our soil after GE crops?

    It is incredible how simple it is to move in the direction of producing biodiesel by converting old facilities such as an old oilseed pressing plant, an animal rendering plant, even an old Agilent Technologies building. With declining air quality in the US, growing asthma cases and medical costs, not to mention the added benefit of putting family farmers back to work, it begs the question...why have we waited so long?

    • we waited so long because the banks, which were controlled by the oil barons, wouldn’t give henry ford any money to build his factory unless he switched his vehicle design from using alchohol as a fuel, to gasoline.

  • What a stupid solution! Again there is far more suitable technology around and it will be used by other more efficient countries. Americans like to breath the fumes and the fine dust! EPA is just another American joke.
    The former technology leader America has now become a third world country.

    I feel so sorry for you America!

  • The simplest solutions are often the best. Cheers to Dennis Kucinich. Thanks to God for providing many pro earth solutions when we keep are eyes open to them.

    Upsetting the internal pressure of the earth through increased oil drilling on an already bomb weakened pennisula surrounded by crustal plate borders in area of the world which has sustained multiple fatal earthquakes can’t be good. The fumes produces from petroleum products are bad for the earth and her inhabitants. With the passage of these amendments and other measures elsewhere perhaps we inhabitants are learning from our mistakes and if we learn enough fast enough perhaps our descendents will have a planet on which to thrive.

  • Thanks for the interest everyone has expressed. While obviously this is a humble beginning, we must keep looking for opportunities to put the issue of biofuels before the Congress. Thanks for your support! Regards, Dennis Kucinich

    • Thank you Dennis. You give us hope that our entire political system is not yet completely and irreversibly corrupt.

  • Kucinich, and the chronic pothead Nelson: perfect together! How emblematic of the socialist intellect.