The Renewable Fuel Standard
The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is a bipartisan American energy policy signed into law in 2005 by President George W. Bush and expanded in 2007. It ensures that rising volumes of homegrown biofuels are available to consumers as part of the fuel mix, generating new options at the gas pump in a sector largely controlled by oil companies.
Under the RFS, billions of dollars of have been invested into conventional and advanced biofuels – establishing America as a global leader in bio-based energy technology. These homegrown biofuels are working to slash U.S. reliance on foreign oil, decrease emissions and stimulate economic development, particularly in rural communities.
Unfortunately, America’s most successful energy policy is under attack by those seeking to restore a fossil fuel monopoly over America’s choices at the gas pump. Fuels America is committed to protecting our options by supporting homegrown fuels and a strong RFS.
Thanks to the RFS, homegrown biofuels:
Promote U.S. Energy Security
- The RFS reduces our reliance on foreign oil – helping insulate consumers from price manipulation by hostile nations.
- In 2015 alone, biofuels displaced 527 million barrels of oil, which is more than the U.S. imported from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait combined.
- U.S. dependence on foreign oil has fallen by more than half since 2005 – the year the RFS was enacted.
Increase Competition and Provide Choices at the Gas Pump
- Biofuels provide a clean, renewable alternative to oil.
- Thanks to the RFS, ethanol is now blended into 97 percent of our fuel supply, helping protect drivers from spikes in the price of oil.
- Ethanol has the highest blending octane of available additives – which allows for better performing engines and greater efficiency.
Drive Investments in Innovation and Support Jobs
- The RFS drives billions of dollars of economic activity across the U.S. and supports more than 852,000 well-paying American jobs.
- Thanks to the RFS, America has become the world’s top exporter of ethanol.
- America is leading the world in the development of cellulosic and second-generation biofuels made from non-grain feedstocks like algae or switchgrass.
Protect our Environment
- Biofuels displace cancer-causing gasoline additives like benzene, the same chemicals found in cigarette smoke. These dangerous additives have also been linked to asthma and drinking water contamination.
- On average, corn ethanol reduces transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent over gasoline, and advanced biofuels can reduce emissions by 100 percent.
- Global ethanol production and use in transportation has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 589 million metric tons over the past decade – equal to removing more than 124 million cars from the road.