Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement to applaud the Trump Administration for concluding negotiations with key stakeholders across the country on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). 

"I am grateful to the Administration for hearing the concerns of the agriculture community and delivering much-needed results. Biofuels are an integral piece of Minnesota’s economy, and this announcement will help promote cleaner fuel, energy independence, and greater demand for Minnesota corn and soybeans," said Emmer. "This is a clear example that the Trump Administration supports agriculture and rural America, and I applaud their efforts to uphold the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard.”

Background:

The RFS was passed by Congress under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 in an effort to encourage energy independence and the creation of more renewable fuels, and to ultimately decrease the United States reliance on foreign oil. Since it’s implementation, the biofuels industry in Minnesota has seen significant benefits. Due to the RFS nearly all gasoline contains 10% ethanol, known as E-10, this cleaner fuel reduces pollution and boosts the octane of regular unleaded gasoline.

Under the proposal, the Environmental Protection Agency will be required to include in their Renewable Volume Obligations projected gallons exempted for refiners, thereby maintaining the integrity of the Renewable Fuels Standard while still allowing for exemptions due to hardship. It will also assist with removing barriers to the sale of year-round E15, or fuel with 15% ethanol.

Congressman Tom Emmer is a long time supporter of the biofuels industry, as member of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus and supporter of the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would have allowed for the sale of E15 blends of fuel year-round.

To read the full announcement, click here.