| The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are committed to furthering President Bush's Advanced Energy Initiative (AEI). The AEI seeks to accelerate the commercialization of clean, affordable alternative and renewable sources of energy by changing the way we power our cars, homes, and businesses. The enormous benefits of renewable energy are more recognized and appreciated by Americans today. Renewable fuels are environmentally friendly, producing fewer emissions of greenhouse gases than fossil fuels. In addition to renewable fuels, agricultural and forestry resources provide renewable raw materials for a broad range of nonfood and nonfeed products, such as chemicals, fibers, construction materials, and lubricants. Development and commercialization of such biobased and bioenergy products provide new and expanded markets for agricultural feedstocks, accelerate market penetration, reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil which contributes to our nation's security, and diversify agriculture while fostering rural and sustainable development. |