Some lawmakers during a House Energy subcommittee hearing on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) attempted to work toward getting some compromise between the two sides of the debate. One side, represented by the oil industry, wants to see the RFS completely repealed. The other side, represented by the biofuels industry, would prefer no change to the law. Congressman John Shimkus …
RFS Subject of House Subcommittee Hearing
Two days of hearings featuring 16 witnesses representing a wide variety of stakeholders impacted by the Renewable Fuel Standard are being held this week by the Energy and Power subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Testimony will be presented by representatives of oil, automotive, ethanol, biodiesel, advanced biofuels, corn farmers, poultry, environmental and restaurant organizations, among others. “I …
Fuels America Announces New Ad Campaign
Fuels America coalition members today announced the launch of a new ad campaign with the theme of choice when it comes to our energy future. The campaign is targeted to policy makers in Washington DC and focused on supporting the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) which is under continued attack by the oil and food industries. “We’re talking about the fundamental …
RFS Hill Briefing Sparks Hot Biofuels Debate
The Advanced Biofuels Association held an event, “A Policy Briefing on the Future of the Renewable Fuel Standard,” (#RFSFuture) in Washington, D.C. to debate the merits of the RFS and discuss the future of the RFS. The event comes on the heels of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power’s plans for a two-day hearing next week …
Groups Applaud EPA’s McCarthy Confirmation
The U.S. Senate has approved Gina McCarthy as the next administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on a 59-40 vote. Renewable energy and environmental groups, as well as commercial companies, welcomed her confirmation. The National Biodiesel Board said it was thrilled by the vote: “Gina McCarthy is a strong, dynamic leader who knows the intersection of environment and energy …
RSC Hearing One-Sided
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 …
AAA Sets Record Straight on E15
This week the American Petroleum Institute (API) kicked off an new anti-ethanol and anti-biofuels TV and print campaign and in a commercial being aired in South Dakota, criticized the increased use of ethanol and E15 as a motor fuel. The 30-second commercials mention Triple A (AAA) and the organization has come out publicly and said the ads misrepresent their position …
Corn Growers Talking RFS in DC
Members of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) from across the country are in Washington this week to discuss policy issues and visit with lawmakers about a number of topics, including the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “The question our members are asking the legislators is ‘Do you support the RFS in its form, yes or no?’ and we want an …
California Court Rules Against LCFS
A California appeals court this week overturned a regulation implementing the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard. California’s Fifth District Court of Appeal issued its decision in POET, LLC v. California Air Resources Board (ARB) on Monday, ruling for POET on every one of its substantive challenges and reversing the decision of the Superior Court affirming the LCFS. The Court also …
Oil Industry Blames RFS for Gas Prices
With gas prices on the rise again, the Senate Energy Committee held a timely hearing today on domestic oil production and fuel prices, and representatives of the oil industry used it as an opportunity to blame the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for volatile prices. Valero Energy CEO Bill Klesse noted in his testimony that his company supports ethanol production and …