America's love affair with the automobile is perhaps one of the signature characteristics that defines our culture. Big, powerful cars capable of reaching fast speeds in a matter of seconds have captured our imagination since Henry Ford and the Model T. If only we had continued to follow Mr. Ford's lead.

The original Model T was the world's first flexible fuel vehicle (FFV), capable of switching back-and-forth between gasoline and ethanol. Had that technology become accepted, the debate we are having as a nation today would be much different.

However, a FFV wasn't the technology that was accepted. Our nation, and the world, moved toward cheaper petroleum-based products and the flexible fuel technology was put back on the shelf. But, as our nation looks toward a more sustainable energy future, in which we rely on our neighbors and friends and not our enemies overseas, America's automakers are helping to shape that future and drive the agenda in Washington, D.C.

Despite the economic downturn of America's Big Three automakers, they still represent hundreds of thousands of American jobs and billions of dollars of economic activity. They have facilities across the country and their reach includes every Congressional district. In our industry's efforts to promote a more renewable energy future, they have proven to be valuable partners.

It's no coincidence that the heads of General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler have been regular guests in Washington, D.C. They've met with the leaders in Congress and showcased their vehicles on the White House lawn. More importantly, they're working with lawmakers to increase the availability of ethanol—E85 in particular—and assuming the important role of ensuring that American motorists have the ever increasing opportunity to buy FFVs.

Today, only 6 million of the nation's 230 million vehicles are FFVs. However, that number is growing steadily. Recently, the Big Three pledged to increase their FFV production to approximately 4 million cars per year. That is a serious commitment and one necessary for the continued growth of ethanol as an alternative, renewable fuel.

In May, the Renewable Fuels Association testified about the importance of E85 and FFVs before a joint committee in Congress noting, "The need for opening up the gasoline supply infrastructure to E85, to allow the millions of flex fuel cars that the auto companies have manufactured over the past several years and will manufacture in increased numbers over the years to come, is critical to the achievement of the our national goal of reducing our dependence on imported oil."

Clearly, we cannot achieve this level of success without the partnership of automakers like Ford, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler. We've made great progress over the past few years, greater than many in this industry might have imagined. As we move forward and look toward a more meaningful E85 market and potential high blending levels for ethanol, we must do so with our friends from Detroit.

Bob Dinneen
President and CEO
Renewable Fuels Association