WASHINGTON, DC – The nation’s leading biofuel advocates are rallying supporters to urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to increase its proposed 2017 targets under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). With the start of the EPA’s public comment period this week and the announcement of a public hearing on June 9, supporters have a limited time to call on the EPA to make more ethanol and other biofuels available to consumers in next year’s fuel mix.
“America can’t achieve its climate, health or economic ambitions without renewable fuels. Among the most powerful tools we’ve got in achieving those ambitions is the Renewable Fuel Standard – as long as it’s allowed to work,” said Adam Monroe, America Regional President, Novozymes North America. “We urge anyone who’s benefitted from the renewable fuel industry to speak out – and urge the Administration to listen to those voices and maximize renewable fuel production.”
“Consumers who care about having affordable options and a choice at the gas pump can get in on the action by contacting the EPA and asking their lawmakers to support a strong RFS,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “Policymakers need to be reminded that ethanol producers, retailers and the current auto fleet are fully capable of accepting the statutory volumes as called for by Congress, providing consumers with a true choice and savings at the pump. As EPA noted in their own proposed rule, ‘To date we have seen no compelling evidence that the nationwide average ethanol concentration in gasoline cannot exceed 10 percent.’ It’s vital that we fight for the statutory biofuel targets for America’s 2017 fuel mix.”
“The proposed targets fall short of the statutory levels set by Congress,” said Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). “Consumers know that having only one choice at the pump – fossil fuels – is a vestige of outdated thinking and poor policy decisions. We must aim higher to protect the economic, environmental and energy security benefits of America’s most successful clean energy program.”
Supporters are urged to testify at the EPA field hearing in Kansas City or submit comments to the EPA by July 11, when regulators start writing a final rule.
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. For more information, please visit us at www.fuelsamerica.org.