I am writing to urge Congressman Adam Smith to temporarily suspend the Renewable Fuel Standard which was passed in law in 2005 and expanded in 2007.

The purpose was to reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil and reduce greenhouse emission. Federal renewable fuel standards require the blending of 13.2 billion gallons of corn ethanol this year. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture, this will require 4.7 billion bushels of corn, almost half of the domestic corn supply from animal feedlots to ethanol refineries. This has created a extreme competition for corn as much of the nation is in the grip of drought.

Many food manufactures, including Tyson (chicken), Nestle, Kraft, have already warned that they will pass on higher prices to consumers. As is, food prices are high and paychecks are flat or getting smaller.

Unemployment in our state is over 8.2 percent. I am urging the Congressman to provide this temporary relief to his fellow Americans until Mother Nature provides us with rain. Thank you.

Kamran Mukhtar, Auburn