Klobuchar Statement on Final Biofuels Rulemaking

Statement

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) issued the statement below following the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) release of the final Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2020, 2021, and 2022.

"I am glad that the EPA has announced this final rule. It includes many actions I've long called for to support rural communities, including setting strong biofuel blending requirements for 2022, denying pending Small Refinery Exemptions, and raising 2021 volumes above the levels proposed in December. While I am disappointed that this rule still retroactively cuts the previously finalized blending levels for 2020, I believe it will still provide some stability to the RFS."

Klobuchar has been a strong advocate for investing in renewable fuel infrastructure and upholding the Clean Air Act's RFS.

In February, she and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) led a bipartisan group of 12 colleagues in a letter urging the EPA to prioritize the RFS.

In December, she and Grassley introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Defend the Blend Act, which would prohibit the EPA from retroactively reducing RVO levels once the annual rule is finalized.

In September, Klobuchar led a bicameral group of colleagues in urging the Biden administration to reject significant reductions in biofuel blending requirements.

In July, Klobuchar joined with Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) to introduce the bipartisan Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would amend the Clean Air Act to allow for the year-round sale of E15.

In June of 2021, Klobuchar introduced a package of bipartisan bills to expand the availability of low-carbon renewable fuels, incentivize the use of higher blends of biofuels, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Co-led by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), the Biofuel Infrastructure and Agricultural Product Market Expansion Act would expand the availability of low-carbon renewable fuels in the marketplace, resulting in cleaner air, lower fuel process, and rural economic vitality.

Also in June of 2021, Klobuchar led a letter with 15 colleagues to the EPA and National Economic Council (NEC) expressing concern about reports that the Biden administration was considering options to exempt oil refiners from their obligations under the RFS.

In April of 2021, Klobuchar also led a bipartisan letter with Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) to EPA Administrator Regan calling on the EPA to reject requests to waive or reduce RVOs under the RFS.

In February of 2021, Klobuchar and Thune introduced the Adopt GREET Act to require the EPA to update its greenhouse gas modeling for ethanol and biodiesel. Klobuchar also led a letter with Grassley to the EPA highlighting the need to restore integrity to the RFS by reviewing small refinery waivers, swiftly issuing a proposed rule for the 2021 Renewable Volume Obligation, and advancing the proposed E15 streamlining proposal.

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