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Keith Nichols, News Services, 919/515-7159

Aug. 8, 2006

As Gas Prices Continue To Soar, Rep. Etheridge Commends Use of Biofuels at NC State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

As gas prices continue to reach record levels, U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) will visit North Carolina State University on Wednesday, Aug. 9, at 10 a.m., to advocate for increased biofuels production. 

Etheridge and NC State faculty members will highlight the Wolfline bus system, which has eight buses operating on biodiesel fuel. There will be a photo opportunity of Etheridge pumping biodiesel into a Wolfline bus at the Motor Fleet, off Sullivan Drive at 10:45 a.m.

The average gas price in North Carolina is currently $2.99 a gallon, and is expected to continue to rise. Etheridge has introduced comprehensive legislation in Congress to promote biofuels production. He also convened N.C. business leaders, state officials and researchers for a biofuels summit in April.

“The NC State Wolfline is an example of how North Carolina is leading the way to making America energy independent. By investing in biofuels, we will not only make energy more affordable, we will also be investing in rural America. Every dollar we invest in domestic biofuels production is a dollar that stays in America and creates good-paying jobs. It’s a win-win solution for America,” said Etheridge.