The Republican Study Committee’s Energy Task Force held an informational hearing discussing the impact of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) on July 17, 2013. Speakers included representatives from the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, National Council of Chain Restaurants, the Turkey Federation, and the National Marine Manufacturers Association. The event happened to occur two days after the American Petroleum Institute (API) launched an aggressive TV and print campaign to reduce the use of ethanol, the roll-out of E15 and end the RFS.

Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Bob Dinneen said of the hearing, “The Republican Study Committee event is nothing more than a one-sided pep rally for Big Oil and Big Food.”

Dinneen continued, “The RSC should be embarrassed by the lack of balance. Not a single representative from the ethanol industry nor a single national security, energy, environment, or auto expert who supports the Renewable Fuel Standard is participating in this event. The RSC is doing a disservice to the Republican Senators and Representatives who strongly support the RFS. Why is the RSC not giving these Republicans a voice?”

“The fact is the RFS was first enacted by a Republican House, Senate, and President. Does the RSC really believe Republicans who support the RFS, past and present, do not have the best interests of this great nation in mind when they move to make the U.S. more energy independent, more nationally and economically secure?” Dinneen concluded.