Ethanol advocates called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to increase ethanol and other biofuel volumes in next year’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) today. Fuels America held a press conference with several leading biofuel advocates that was kicked off with comments from Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts, a long-time and vocal ethanol opponent.
“A strong RFS means more jobs here at home, greater energy security, and a cleaner environment,” said Gov. Ricketts. “The biofuels industry supports more than 852,000 American jobs and creates fuel we need to help our country become energy independent. It also stimulates investments in states like Nebraska, where we are on the forefront of research, development, and infrastructure for first- and second-generation biofuels.”
Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Bob Dinneen continued the ethanol success story by discussing how the RFS is the country’s most successful energy policy of all time. “The EPA’s proposed targets would needlessly undermine America’s most successful clean energy program,” said Dinneen. “At a minimum, we must hit the statutory levels set by Congress to slash U.S. dependence on foreign oil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save consumers money at the pump. From any objective standpoint, the choice should be simple – more clean, American energy and less foreign oil.”
New Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor has hit the ground running and focused her remarks on the environmental benefits of biofuels. “Our call to action has never been more important,” said Skor. “Ethanol is an earth-friendly biofuel that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and displaces chemicals in gasoline that form potent carcinogens when burned. Most importantly, ethanol offers consumers affordable options and a choice at the gas pump. It’s vital that the EPA meet the statutory biofuel targets for America’s 2017 fuel mix.”
While Chip Bowling, a long-time Agvocate and president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) stressed the effect the RFS has had on farmers and their commitment to increasing ethanol fuel choices at the pump. “Farmers, along with the ethanol industry and U.S. Department of Agriculture, have invested millions in new ethanol pumps and fuel infrastructure so that drivers can access affordable, renewable fuel choices,” said Chip Bowling, president of the National Corn Growers Association. “Now it’s up to the EPA to deliver on its promises. We have the resources to meet all our needs, spur investment in rural communities, and create more high-tech jobs.”
Listen to the full press conference here: Fuels America RFS Hearing Press Conference
