WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), both members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, are urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prioritize the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by maintaining the blending requirements for 2022; denying all pending Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs); eliminating proposed retroactive cuts to the renewable volume obligations (RVOs); and setting 2021 RFS volumes at the statutory levels.
 
“By taking the above actions, the EPA can quickly restore integrity, stability, and growth to the RFS and the U.S. biofuel sector while ensuring that the program continues to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, diversify our fuels, drive down gas prices, strengthen our national security, and drive rural economic opportunity,” the senators wrote.
 
The bipartisan letter was also signed by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), along with Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.).
 
“We thank this bipartisan group of Senators for their efforts to protect and defend the Renewable Fuel Standard,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “These Senators understand that the RFS is the most powerful and effective tool we have to immediately reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, keep consumer gas prices in check, and support a vibrant rural economy. RFA proudly stands with them in calling on the Biden administration to follow through on its commitments to put the RFS back on track.”
 
“The final versions of the recently proposed 2020, 2021, and 2020 RVOs will have an immense impact for years to come on not only the biofuels industry, but also on the environment as our nation works to achieve net-zero emissions,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We applaud our Senate champions for showing leadership in this bipartisan call for EPA to finalize strong RVO levels and eliminate any proposed retroactive cuts. By doing so, EPA would be making meaningful progress in the Biden Administration’s commitment to move toward more low carbon alternatives in our transportation sector while supporting farmers and biofuels producers.”
 
The full letter is available by clicking HERE.
 

 

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