At what price will corn be so expensive that the federal government will decide that it is time to stop driving up the price of food?

Three years ago, Congress imposed a Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandate that has forced the gasoline industry to mix massive amounts of corn-based ethanol into the nation's fuel supply. In 2007, Congress nearly
doubled that mandate to require nine billion gallons of ethanol be blended into gas in 2008 and even more in 2009.

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement regarding the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to deny Texas’ request for a 50 percent waiver from the grain-based Renewable Fuels Standard:

"I am greatly disappointed with the EPA’s inability to look past the good intentions of this policy to see the significant harm it is doing to farmers, ranchers and American households. For the EPA to assert that this federal mandate is not affecting food prices not only goes against common sense, but every American’s grocery bill.

Governor’s Competitiveness Council Presents ‘Council’s Report to Governor’ and ‘State Energy Plan’

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry today accepted the Governor's Competitiveness Council's formal recommendations, which provide guidance to the governor, Legislature, and leaders of state agencies and emerging industries on how best to keep Texas at the forefront of the global economy.

"Texas must be proactive in maintaining its economic edge by increasing the rigor and relevance in our classrooms to best equip students to meet the future demands of the workplace," said Gov. Perry. "The council’s dedicated work in recent months is evident in the thorough and substantive recommendations they shared today. I am confident their input will pave the way toward our ongoing economic success and provide opportunities for Texans unlike ever before."

AUSTIN – This morning, Tropical Storm Edouard came on shore near Sabine Pass, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to coastal communities. As the storm continues to impact Texas, the state is prepared to assist local officials with efforts to ensure the safety of residents.

"Texas is grateful that this storm did not escalate to hurricane strength before making landfall on our shores," said Gov. Perry. "Yet even small storms can create dangerous situations. Flooding continues to be a viable threat to the coastal area, and the state stands ready to deploy search and rescue assets in the event they are needed."

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry issued a disaster declaration in response to the imminent threat posed by Tropical Storm Edouard to Bexar, Brazoria, Brazos, Calhoun, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Harris, Jackson, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Orange, Walker and Wharton counties. The governor’s declaration allows the state to initiate necessary preparedness efforts, such as pre-deploying resources requested by local officials to ensure their communities are ready to respond to severe weather.