Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) introduced legislation that would eliminate the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) corn-based ethanol requirements. It would also reduce the overall requirements of cellulosic ethanol that was not filled by advanced biofuels and rescinding the requirements of blending up to 15% ethanol into the fuel supply.
The legislation would eliminate the conventional biofuels mandate beginning in 2014. This would effectively prohibit the use of corn-based ethanol in the RFS. Congressman Goodlatte said, “The RFS debate is no longer just a debate about fuel or food. It is also a debate about jobs, small business, economic growth and freedom. The federal government’s creation of an artificial market for the ethanol industry has quite frankly triggered a domino effect that is hurting American consumers, energy producers, livestock producers, food manufacturers, and retailers.
Extreme drought last summer and record corn prices made it clear that the RFS is not working.” Those supporting the legislation include the American Frozen Food Institute, Competitive Enterprise Institute, Environmental Working Group, Grocery Manufacturers Association, Milk Producers Council, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Chicken Council, National Marine Manufacturers Association, National Restaurant Association, National Taxpayers Union, National Turkey Federation, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, and Taxpayers for Common Sense.
