Press Releases

Representatives Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Steve Womack (R-Ark.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement today after reintroducing the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Reform Act (H.R. 1315) for the 115th Congress:

“The Renewable Fuel Standard is a well-intentioned flop. After a decade of this policy, it’s clearer than ever that the federal government’s creation of an artificial market for the ethanol industry has resulted in a domino effect that is hurting people across the country. The misguided RFS failed to lower prices at the pump all while creating an artificial market for ethanol that is having unintended and profound effects on consumers, energy producers, livestock producers, retailers, our food supply, and even the environment. Congress must reform the RFS and provide Americans relief. Leaders in the House have signaled that there is a real appetite to reform the ethanol mandate this year, and we urge our colleagues to consider the RFS Reform Act as a vehicle to guide this debate and reform process. Not only does this bill have bipartisan backing in the House, but it also has the support of a diverse coalition of organizations representing folks from every corner of the United States. Congress cannot continue to stick with the status quo when it comes to the ethanol mandate. We do not need any more delays – now is the time to act on RFS reform.”

Background: The RFS Reform Act eliminates corn-based ethanol requirements, caps the amount of ethanol that can be blended into conventional gasoline at 10 percent, requires the EPA to set cellulosic biofuels levels at production levels, and decreases the total volume of renewable fuel that must be contained in gasoline sold or introduced into commerce for years 2017-2022. At the time of introduction, the RFS Reform Act had 42 bipartisan cosponsors.

###