North Carolina residents consume about 5.6 billion gallons of petroleum-based liquid fuels per year – virtually all of which comes from outside the state.
No gallon consumed contributes to the agricultural, forestry or production economy of North Carolina. But North Carolina is in position to meet its future energy needs through biofuels.
Early in 2006, more than 70 leaders from across the state representing industry, agriculture, academia and government developed a 16-page document, “Fueling North Carolina’s Future: North Carolina’s Strategic Plan for Biofuels Leadership.” The strategic plan, led by five co-conveners, was mandated by legislation enacted in August 2006 – Senate Bill 2051 – written by Sen. Charlie Albertson and Rep. Dewey Hill.
The plan outlines nine strategies for the decade ahead. The first commits North Carolina to a measurable and significant goal: By 2017, 10 percent of liquid fuels sold in North Carolina will come from biofuels grown and produced within the state.
"North Carolina is thinking smartly about its land, economy and future,” Sen. Albertson said. “The biofuels strategic plan is good thinking at the right time. It will grow us new crops, new jobs, and new biofuels capabilities.”