Congressman Francis Rooney introduces legislation to repeal harmful Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandate

Statement

Last week, Congressman Rooney introduced the Eliminating the RFS and Its Destructive Outcomes Act to repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandate.

Congressman Rooney stated "Since the RFS was created in 2005 there have been severe unintended consequences. Ethanol-based fuels decrease fuel efficiency by approximately 3%, and increase fuel prices for American consumers. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that due to the RFS, in 2017 there was a price hike for gasoline between $.13 and $.26 per gallon.

"For years the RFS has wreaked havoc on boat engines and other small engines which are vital to the Florida economy. Recently, the EPA finalized a rule allowing for the year-round sale of E15 (gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol), which will cause even more destruction to marine vessels across the state and the country.

"Further, ethanol-based fuels defeat the purpose of their stated environmental goals since their production and consumption release more carbon emissions than conventional petroleum fuels. Corn production overall has risen since the RFS was mandated and has led to the increased use of nitrogen-based fertilizer across the United States. Studies are showing that the RFS is causing environmental harm and polluting waterways.

"Through the RFS, the government created and subsidized a false market for ethanol fuels that is hurting Americans. The free market must be returned and this mandate must be repealed."

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