WASHINGTON, DC - House Energy and Commerce Committee leaders today responded to the EPA issuing its final rule setting out the long-delayed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requirements for the years 2014 through 2016. In the rule, EPA acknowledged some of the challenges with adding ethanol and other renewable fuels to the nation’s transportation fuel supply, and for this reason the agency reduced the required volumes below those originally set out by law in 2007.
“The fact that EPA is coming out with its 2014 volumes long after the year is over and its 2015 numbers with only one month left to go is a sure sign of a program that needs fixing," stated Energy and Power Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield (R-KY). “We need to take a look at the RFS program because EPA has not done a good job implementing it."
Full committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) added, “The economic, technological, and environmental assumptions that gave rise to the RFS are dramatically different than the realities we face today, and it is time to finally consider updating this program. Before we make any changes, we need to be mindful of the impact on the agricultural sector, renewable fuel producers, refiners, automakers, fuel retailers, and other affected parties, and most importantly of all we need to do what is best for American consumers."
