WHAT:
The Subcommittee on Environment, chaired by Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL), held a hearing today on the current status of and future issues with the advanced biofuels component of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
WHY:
“Unfortunately, cellulosic biofuels have not progressed as well as hoped," said #SubEnvironment Chairman Shimkus. “Congress was convinced in 2007 that cellulosic biofuels were ‘just around the corner’ but more than a decade later we are still waiting for liquid cellulosic biofuels to make a significant contribution."
WHO:
* Mr. Brooke Coleman, Executive Director, Advanced Biofuels Business Council (Opening Statement )
* Mr. Randy Howard, CEO, Renewable Energy Group, on behalf of National Biodiesel Board (Opening Statement )
* Mr. Mike McAdams, President, Advanced Biofuels Association (Opening Statement )
* Mr. Derrick Morgan, Senior Vice President, American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (Opening Statement )
* Mr. Luke Morrow, Managing Director, Morrow Energy, on behalf of Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (Opening Statement )
* Mr. Collin O’Mara, President, National Wildlife Federation (Opening Statement )
* Ms. Robin Puthusseril, Vice President, Greater Chicago Truck Plaza, on behalf of National Association of Truck Stop Operators (Opening Statement )
KEY MOMENTS:
“When the program was drafted, Congress and the nation understood biodiesel and ethanol. But, newer technologies using new feedstocks have developed, and, in many instances, they utilize two-step processes. The original statute was simply not drafted to allow for this, and the oversight that this Committee has done should point you in new directions compared to what we could understand and achieve in 2007." - Mr. Mike McAdams
“When the RFS was enacted, if I didn’t invest in biofuel infrastructure and adjust my business practices I’d be at a serious disadvantage today. That’s why I made the investments." - Ms. Robin Puthusseril
“I think there are changes and updates that can be made to the RFS to give more clarity, to give more transparency. A lot of the issues I’ve heard articulated here are due to the lack of transparency." - Mr. Randy Howard
RESOURCES:
The Majority Memorandum, witness testimony, and an archived webcast are available online HERE.
