Biofuels like ethanol can be important tools for reducing global warming, decreasing our dependence on oil, and revitalizing rural economies. Without adequate safeguards, however, biofuels production can deplete forests and critical wildlife habitat and pollute water supplies.

In its initial form, H.R. 6, the energy bill, included a renewable fuel standard requiring 36 billion gallons of biofuels to be produced in the United States by 2022. Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Joe Lieberman (I-CT), and Harry Reid (D-NV) introduced an amendment that would require the EPA to study the environmental impacts of the new standard and would give the EPA authority to consider adverse water impacts in regulating fuels and fuel additives.

On June 20, 2007, the Senate approved the amendment by a 58-34 vote (Senate roll call vote 219). YES IS THE PRO-ENVIRONMENT VOTE. Further safeguards were added before the bill's final passage on December 13, 2007.