New Ad Hails President Trump’s Rejection of Refiner Attacks on Biofuels
WASHINGTON, DC – The nation’s top renewable fuel advocates have launched a new television ad recognizing President Trump’s steadfast support for rural communities, farmers, and workers in the biofuel sector. The ad responds directly to oil industry attacks on the president for his long-standing commitment to growth under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
“Refining executives seem to think that attacking the president will undermine his support for rural jobs and homegrown fuels, but he’s consistently sided with voters across the heartland,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, a member of the Fuels America coalition. “There are over 200 biorefineries across the nation, each serving as a key manufacturing hub, supporting jobs and creating vital markets for countless farmers. This industry is creating low-cost energy right here in America, and those communities deeply appreciate the president’s commitment to U.S. leadership on biofuels.”
The new ad, which begins airing November 6th on Fox News, features footage of President Trump’s advocacy for homegrown fuels, noting that he “kept his promise, protecting farm and manufacturing jobs.” The ad urges viewers to thank the president for standing up to refiners who have attacked the White House for its support of clean, affordable fuel options for American drivers.
“The RFS promotes competition at the fuel pump, saving drivers money on every gallon,” said Brent Erickson, Executive Vice President of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization’s (BIO) Industrial and Environmental Section. “Homegrown biofuels already supply 10 percent of our motor fuel, and new cellulosic innovations are poised to drive a wave of investment and manufacturing across the heartland. The president’s commitment to that progress will support jobs and shield consumers against foreign nations that are working to manipulate the cost of fuel.”
“Continued growth in biofuel production has never been more important, with rural families facing the sharpest drop in farm income since the 1980s,” said Jeff Broin, CEO of POET. “It’s ironic to hear refinery owners complain about competition while posting soaring profits from high-priced gasoline sales during the hurricanes. Their demands to scrap the RFS to protect their virtual monopoly on America’s fuel supply just demonstrates why it’s so important for us to protect the growth of homegrown biofuels. The RFS is America’s most successful energy policy. It has created hundreds of thousands of jobs, cut prices for consumers, and dramatically reduced U.S. dependence on foreign oil.”
Recent lobbying efforts by oil refiners resulted in several proposals to roll back U.S. biofuel targets at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Those efforts prompted heavy opposition from members of the House and Senate, Midwest Governors, and industry leaders. In response, the White House reaffirmed that, “The Trump administration will protect the RFS and ensure that our nation’s hardworking farmers continue to fuel America.” EPA Administrator Pruitt also sent a letter to rural champions noting that the agency will implement the RFS in a way that “advances the full potential of this program as envisioned by Congress, rural America, and the President of the United States.”
About Fuels America
Fuels America is a coalition of organizations committed to protecting America’s Renewable Fuel Standard and promoting the benefits of all types of renewable fuel already growing in America. Fuels America is founded on a simple core principle: Renewable fuel is good for the U.S. economy, for our nation’s energy security, and for the environment.
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