Goodlatte: Ethanol Mandate is a 'Kitchen Table' Issue

Press Release

Congressman Bob Goodlatte released the following statement today after introducing two bills to alter the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), the RFS Elimination Act (H.R. 703) and the RFS Reform Act (H.R. 704):

"The ethanol mandate is a true "kitchen table' issue -- this unworkable policy impacts every American family trying to make financial decisions. From food costs to wear and tear on the family car or lawnmower, the RFS means added costs and less money for other purchases. It certainly impacts the cost of doing business for many, but it's the consumers who ultimately shoulder the costs of this broken policy. This is one of the concerns I consistently hear from folks in the Sixth District whether they run a restaurant, farm for a living, or have noticed an increase in their grocery bills. The federal government's ethanol mandate has triggered a domino effect that is hurting American consumers, energy users, livestock producers, food manufacturers, and retailers. Plus, the EPA's continued failure to meet their deadlines to set renewable fuels requirements for both this year and last year, only create more uncertainty for those who must comply with this mandate. It's clear that the majorly flawed RFS just isn't working.

"Today, I introduced the RFS Elimination Act to stop this boondoggle of a policy in its tracks. While I would ultimately prefer to completely repeal this mandate, growing support from lawmakers in the House and Senate, as well as a diverse coalition of organizations, signals that there is momentum this Congress to achieve real reforms of the RFS. As we continue to work towards full repeal, the RFS Reform Act is a common sense solution to help curb some of the most harmful effects of this federal mandate."

The RFS Elimination Act eliminates the RFS and makes ethanol compete in the free market. This legislation already has the support of 38 cosponsors. Additionally, Congressman Goodlatte introduced the bipartisan RFS Reform Act, which eliminates corn-based ethanol requirements, caps the amount of ethanol that can be blended into conventional gasoline at 10 percent, and requires the EPA to set cellulosic biofuels levels at production levels. This legislation already has the support of 34 cosponsors. The RFS Reform Act is supported by a diverse group of over 50 organizations.

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandates that 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels be part of our nation's fuel supply by 2022. Almost all of this is currently being fulfilled by corn ethanol. Both the RFS Elimination Act and the RFS Reform Act will be referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

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