NCGA Thanks Senators for Supporting a Strong 2018 RFS

Yesterday, a bipartisan group of 38 senators, led by Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), sent a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, urging him to implement a strong final 2018 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) rule as intended by Congress.

“We urge you to continue to implement the RFS as intended by Congress and release a strong final rule that would give consumers more choices at the pump, strengthen our economy and make our country more secure,” the Senators wrote.

EPA has proposed an implied volume of 15 billion gallons of conventional ethanol in 2018, consistent with the level set by Congress. However, the Agency also proposed reducing cellulosic and total renewable fuel volumes by 73 million gallons and 40 million gallons, respectively. Most recently, EPA proposed additional volume reductions as the Agency prepares to finalize 2018 volumes. In comments to the EPA earlier this year, emphasized in a letter to President Trump this week, NCGA called on the Agency to maintain the conventional ethanol level in the final rule, and strengthen the volumes for cellulosic, advanced, and total biofuels.

“Thank you to Senator Grassley and Senator Klobuchar for your leadership on renewable fuels. We commend all 38 Senators who have sent a clear message to the EPA that the RFS plays a vital role in supporting consumer choice, energy security, and rural communities,” said NCGA President Kevin Skunes. “President Trump has repeatedly pledged his support for renewable fuels. We urge the EPA to carry out the President’s promise and maintain a strong RFS in 2018 and beyond.”