Congress Ponders Lifting Ethanol Tariff

Washington DC May 5, 2006; The AIADA newsletter reported that Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman has implored Congress to consider lifting the tariff on imported ethanol.

According to The Wall Street Journal, support for lifting the tariff has bipartisan support, but would also encounter staunch opposition from farm-state lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist said Republicans are still weighing their options on how to fit the tariff into their overall energy package. Republican leaders in the House plan to bring at least one energy bill to the floor each week until Memorial Day, the start of the summer driving season.

The tariff adds 54 cents to the cost of ethanol per gallon.