U.S. Representative Angie Craig (D-MN) led several co-chairs of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus in sending a letter urging the Biden Administration to take steps to protect and strengthen the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

The letter encouraged EPA Administrator Michael Regan to maintain the blending requirements for 2022, deny all pending Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs), reconsider proposed retroactive cuts to previously finalized 2020 RVOs and set 2021 RFS volumes at the statutory levels. Craig was joined in signing the letter by Representatives Cindy Axne (D-IA), Cheri Bustos (D-IL) Ron Kind (D-WI), Mark Pocan (D-WI) and David Scott (D-GA).

“The benefits of renewable biofuels are clear,” the six House members wrote. “They play a key role in reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector, generate economic growth and markets for family farmers across rural America, and reduce the cost of fuel at the pump for hardworking Americans.”

Ethanol industry organizations thanked the lawmakers for their support. “We applaud these House members for standing with American farmers and renewable fuel producers,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “They understand the impacts these EPA proposals could have on their districts and across America’s heartland at a time when we need to focus on rebuilding the economy and reducing carbon emissions. We appreciate their support and hope EPA will listen and respond.”

“As EPA prepares to make several important decisions regarding the RFS this year, the backing and leadership of these House members is greatly appreciated,” said American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings. “EPA has steps at its disposal it can immediately take to get the RFS back on track and we appreciate the House members for underscoring these actions to the Agency, so the program’s potential can be fully realized.”