A new nationwide poll shows that Canadians overwhelmingly support the national renewable fuels strategy to blend biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel in Canada's fuel supply.

The national Praxicus Public Strategies Inc. poll conducted April 23-27 shows that 74% support the 5% national standard for ethanol and the 2% national standard for biodiesel, and a further 67% support increasing the national renewable fuel blend to 10% and 5% respectively.

"This poll shows that Canadians are looking to renewable fuels to fuel change across the country," said Gordon Quaiattini, President of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association. "Canadians clearly support replacing some of our fossil fuels with renewable fuels such as biodiesel and ethanol. This will pay a variety of dividends: A cleaner, greener and more affordable source of energy that will strengthen economic prospects across Canada."

The poll also shows that 69% of Canadians strongly believe that we need to grow beyond oil by developing environmentally friendly and viable alternatives to fossil fuels. Indeed, according to a recent report from Merrill Lynch if not for biofuels, crude oil would be trading 15% higher and gasoline would be as much as 25% more expensive.

Canadian government studies and peer reviewed research show that ethanol and biodiesel are scientifically proven to reduce green houses gases compared to fossil fuels.

Currently in Canada we are able to produce roughly one billion litres of ethanol and 100 million litres of biodiesel. By no later than 2012 that is expected to increase to more than 2.5 billion litres of ethanol and more than 500 million litres of biodiesel. The renewable fuels industry is investing more than $1.5 billion in building production capacity in Canada and is helping to create 10,000 direct and indirect jobs and generating $600 million in annual economic activity.

"With oil at $120 a barrel, the case for viable alternatives to fossil fuels has never been stronger," concluded Quaiattini. "Ethanol, biodiesel, cellulosic ethanol and next generation biofuels are our best hope to grow beyond oil with cleaner fuels and provide some relief for Canadian consumers at the pump."