Flores, Shimkus Release Draft 21st Century Transportation Fuels Act
Press Release
Congressman Bill Flores (Texas-17) and Congressman John Shimkus (Illinois-15) today released a discussion draft of the 21st Century Transportation Fuels Act.
"Much has changed in the markets for vehicles and fuels since the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was established in 2005, and subsequently expanded in 2007. We have learned from robust stakeholder input through hearings, roundtables and meetings, that higher octane fuels can bring increased fuel economy and performance for next generation engines. Since ethanol is one of the lowest-cost sources of octane in many areas of the country, a transition from the RFS beginning in 2023 to a national octane specification creates new market opportunities for biofuel producers and gives certainty to refining stakeholders. Most importantly, the draft legislation preserves consumer choice and optimum fuel and vehicle costs for more efficient transportation for future decades," Flores said.
"I've been engaged in the biofuel debate my entire career in Congress," said Shimkus, whose district includes significant corn and soybean producers as well as major ethanol and oil refiners. "In this Congress -- through three stakeholder roundtables, five subcommittee hearings, and countless other meetings and conversations -- my goal was to look beyond just the Renewable Fuel Standard to comprehensively reshape federal transportation fuel policies in a way that could provide more value to consumers and more certainty to industry stakeholders."
"The draft legislation we are sharing today enables a transition to 21st century vehicle drivetrains by bringing together both new ideas and technologies as well as long-sought reforms to existing policies," the congressmen added. "This sets the stage to modernize federal polices and deliver a new generation of more efficient and cost-effective vehicles and engines and fuels for American consumers. We appreciate the stakeholders who have engaged in this effort and look forward to continuing to improve upon the policies and legislative language we've put forward for consideration and discussion."
The text of the draft 21st Century Transportation Fuels Act can be found HERE.
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