Press Releases

Representatives Bob Goodlatte (R-VA-6), Peter Welch (D-VT-AL), Steve Womack (R-AR-3), and Jim Costa (D-CA-16) today introduced H.R. 704, the RFS Reform Act, in the U.S. House of Representatives.  The RFS Reform Act eliminates the corn-based ethanol requirement, caps the amount of ethanol that can be blended into conventional gasoline at 10 percent, and requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set cellulosic biofuels levels at production levels.  The bill had 34 cosponsors at the time of introduction and is supported by a diverse coalition of over 50 organizations.  

Upon introduction, the lead sponsors of H.R. 704 released the following statements:

Congressman Bob Goodlatte: “The ethanol mandate is a true ‘kitchen table’ issue – this unworkable policy impacts every American family trying to make financial decisions.  From food costs to wear and tear on the family car or lawnmower, the RFS means added costs and less money for other purchases.  It certainly impacts the cost of doing business for many, but it’s the consumers who ultimately shoulder the costs of this broken policy.  With the EPA’s continued failure to meet their deadlines, it’s clear that the majorly flawed RFS just isn’t working.  We have a renewed opportunity this Congress to act on real reform of the RFS.  Growing support from lawmakers in the House and Senate, as well as a diverse coalition of organizations, signals that there is momentum.  The RFS Reform Act is a common sense solution to help curb some of the most harmful effects of this federal mandate.” 

Congressman Peter Welch: “The Renewable Fuel Standard is a well-intentioned flop.  The corn-based ethanol mandate is driving up the cost of feed for struggling dairy farmers. It’s driving up the cost of food for working families. And it’s ruining the engines of boats, chainsaws and snowmobiles in Vermont and across the country.  Our bipartisan coalition has made tremendous progress unwinding this failed policy. This bill will remove the remaining consumer subsidy of the ethanol industry, the mandated blending of ethanol into gasoline.”

Congressman Steve Womack: “Not only has the misguided RFS failed to lower prices at the pump, but the artificial market for ethanol it created is having unintended and profound effects on consumers, energy producers, livestock producers, retailers, and our food supply.  Congress must reform the RFS and provide Americans relief.”

Congressman Jim Costa: “The current Renewable Fuel Standard is not only hurting American consumers, energy producers, livestock producers, food manufacturers, and retailers, but has surpassed a sustainable state.  The Renewable Fuel Standard Reform Act provides common-sense, long overdue reform that will address many of the issues plaguing the RFS while boosting job creation, strengthening the health of our economy, and increasing the affordability of the food our families eat.  The United States is going through an energy renaissance and this bill is an important step in our future energy success.”

The final text of the bill can be found here. 

###