Delegates to the Republican National Convention this week have adopted a party platform that would essentially end the Renewable Fuels Standard passed by Congress and signed by the president in December as part of comprehensive energy legislation. However, they do support the development of cellulosic ethanol and increased flex-fuel vehicles on the road.

Under the agriculture section, the platform talks about food versus fuel concerns and states that the “U.S. government should end mandates for ethanol and let the free market work.”

Under the energy section, the platform states that we “must continue to develop alternative fuels,
such as biofuels, especially cellulosic ethanol, and hasten their technological advances to next-generation production” and says that “because alternative fuels are useless if vehicles cannot use them, we must move quickly to flexible fuel vehicles.”

The Renewable Fuels Association expressed concern about the Republican platform. RFA President Bob Dinneen called it “inconceivable that the Republican Party would adopt a platform that limits the energy options available to the American people.”

“Fortunately, many leaders in the Republican Party, including the President of the United States, understand the importance of a strong renewable fuels policy,” said Dinneen. “Regardless of the outcome of this year’s elections, the American ethanol industry stands ready to continue working with Congress to provide a clean, safe and secure alternative to foreign oil and gasoline.”

RFA will be among many organizations and companies participating in an AgNite event in conjunction with the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis Tuesday evening, sponsored by the Minnesota Agri-Growth Council. The event is designed to celebrate America’s food, agriculture and energy industries and educate delegates and other attendees about their importance to the nation. Stay tuned for reports from the event here on Domestic Fuel.