Imperato on the U.S. and Brazil Biofuels Cooperation Accord

New York – March 12, 2007 - After one and a half years of publicly lobbying for increased cooperation with Brazil, specifically in the area of biodiesel, 2008 Presidential Candidate Daniel Imperato commented on the new Biofuels Cooperation Accord.

"It's about time," stated Imperato. "We have been ignoring and pushing away our South American neighbors for too long. I have publicly stated the United States' need, not only to improve relations with our Latin American brothers and sisters, but to help foster bilateral trade and economic development, as well. I am glad that we now have an agreement with Brazil and hope to see that the administration can use this agreement to open the doors to the other Latin American nations."

The agreement, signed in Sao Paulo today, paves the way for increased research and common standards for biofuels to be commercialized in international markets. Together, the United States and Brazil account for 72 percent of global ethanol production.

During Imperato's visit to Brazil in November of 2006, Imperato commented, "Brazil has shown leadership with ethanol and biofuels as viable and available alternatives. Brazil has led the way for these products to compete in the world's marketplace, in order to curb the oil dependency of the automobile industry in the US, and the rest of the world."

President Lula of Brazil said that the new spirit of cooperation between the US and Brazil "may well mean a strategic alliance that will allow us to convince the world that everyone can change the energy blend."

In Brazil, ethanol fuel is produced from sugar cane residue known as bagasse. In the United States corn has been the main feedstock for ethanol production.
Most cars in Brazil run either on alcohol or on gasohol. Recently, flex fuel engines that run on both have become available. Gas stations sell both fuels.

Imperato concluded his statements with the following, "Brazil and biofuels is only the first step. We still need to work with our neighbors to increase trade in many other arenas. The United States must work with our Latin American partners to help control crime, build the manufacturing industry, improve labor conditions, increase diplomatic relations, and build the Western Hemisphere into a powerful economic and diplomatic community."