The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“RENEWABLE FUEL STANDARD (RFS) REFORM ACT” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Energy was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E161-E162 on Feb. 4, 2015.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
RENEWABLE FUEL STANDARD (RFS) REFORM ACT
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HON. BOB GOODLATTE
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues Representatives Peter Welch, Steve Womack and Jim Costa as we introduce the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Reform Act, a common sense solution to ensure that renewable fuels compete fairly in the marketplace and avoid causing unintended and negative consequences for American consumers.
The federal government's creation of an artificial market for the ethanol industry has quite frankly triggered a domino effect that is hurting our nation's consumers, energy users, livestock producers, food manufacturers, retailers, and natural resources. Renewable fuels play an important role in our all-of-the-above energy policy, but should compete fairly in the marketplace and not be the beneficiary of an anti-competitive government mandate.
American families and businesses should not have to shoulder the high cost of an unworkable federal ethanol mandate through the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). According to the Congressional Budget Office
(CBO), the heightened 2017 RFS requirements would increase the amount of total U.S. food expenditures by $3.5 billion. At the same time, the Department of Energy shows a decrease in fuel mileage--triggering increasing energy costs and lasting impacts on the environment.
The RFS mandates that 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels be part of our nation's fuel supply by 2022. However, in 2014 nearly 40 percent of the U.S. corn crop was used for ethanol production. This is more than the amount of corn used to feed livestock and poultry in the United States.
This is a kitchen table issue--this unworkable policy impacts every American family trying to make financial decisions. From food costs to wear and tear on the family car and other equipment many families use, the RFS means added costs and less money for other purchases.
The RFS debate is no longer just a debate about fuel or food. It is also a debate about jobs, small business, economic growth, and freedom.
The RFS is also hurting--not helping--to preserve our natural resources. The EPA has provided evidence that shows ethanol produced 33 percent more emissions in 2012 than gasoline. The RFS is impacting the quality of life for all Americans. The nation has hit the ``blend wall'' or the point at which we can no longer blend ethanol into gasoline at levels safe for all engines.
This Congress is the time for RFS reform. The momentum around this issue continues to grow. Last year, we found that more than 218 Members of Congress were on record--either by cosponsoring legislation or signing letters--expressing concerns about the current policy.
The support from various stakeholders also continues to expand as the RFS Reform Act is endorsed by a broad spectrum of groups representing livestock, small engines, taxpayers, restaurants, boats, food manufacturing, environmental issues, and food aid. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of the Renewable Fuel Standard Reform Act to address the increasing costs of this broken federal policy impacting our nation's citizens.
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