President Bush: "This bill is not going to solve our energy challenges overnight..."
Six months after President Bush signed the energy bill into law, U.S. energy policy remains a contentious issue.
A move in favor of cleaner-burning energy comes at a time when 60 percent of U.S. crude oil comes from foreign nations. More fuel efficient vehicles are a main focal point for the Bush Administration and the President has increased funding for research and development of hybrid cars.
With a renewed call to action during his State of the Union Address, the President proposed alternative energy sources including wind power, solar power, and biofuels.
BUSH SLUG:"...America is addicted to oil..."
But critics say the initiatives represent contradictory policy since the administration supports subsidies for luxury SUVs. Energy conservation groups also have called for increased fuel-efficiency standards. And some economists believe raising the gas tax will force drivers to change their consumption habits.
For rural America, production mandates for biofuels are especially significant. The 2005 energy bill requires the use of 7.5 billion gallons of ethanol annually by 2012 - more than double the current annual production.
Following the federal government's lead, individual states are proposing their own biofuel initiatives. In Iowa - the nation's top ethanol-producing state - Governor Tom Vilsack is proposing a statewide target for alternative fuel sales. Meanwhile, the Iowa Soybean Association claims soy biodiesel could bring the Hawkeye State more than $141 million in additional tax revenue between now and 2010.