A group of House Republicans – the Republican Study Committee – is calling for repeal of the Renewable Fuel Standard. The group is framing the program as an expensive and unwanted federal mandate that Americans don’t want and businesses can’t afford. According to Virginia Representative Bob Goodlatte – the fact that the federal government would put its big thumb on one side of the scale between the use of corn for food and the use of corn for fuel is a wrong approach to begin with. Louisiana’s Steve Scalise – Chairman of the Republican group – says once the public understands the full repercussions of the RFS – there will be an outrage that will demand action from Congress.
Different industry representatives have said a continuation of the RFS will result in higher prices at the pump and the grocery store. Critics have also claimed the Environmental Protection Agency should use its authority to waive the standard because it is becoming unduly burdensome. National Turkey Federation Chairman John Burkel says the lack of flexibility on the part of EPA to waive part or the entire mandate is impacting Americans from their dinner tab to their paycheck. He says the program is also increasing the cost of corn – making it harder to feed his poultry.
American Petroleum Institute President Jack Gerard says the mandate could put consumers in harm’s way and disrupt the nation’s fuel supply if the outdated, detrimental policy doesn’t come to an immediate end. The industry argues refiners are reaching a point where the increased amount of biofuel in petroleum will damage automobiles. The EPA – however – says higher blends are perfectly safe.
Source: NAFB News Service