Biofuels have become commonplace in cars and trucks across Iowa and the United States, but concerns are growing among some farmers and politicians from agricultural states that the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) will be set to the wayside under the Biden administration. U.S. Senator, Joni Ernst, sits on the Environment and Public Works Committee and pressed President Joe Biden’s nominee for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, Michael Regan, on the RFS during a hearing last week.
The RFS was created in 2005 and requires a set volume of renewable fuel be incorporated into the transportation fuel supply in an effort to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lessen greenhouse gas emissions. Ernst says it has become a key source of income for producers over the last 15+ years and must be protected.
Ernst adds the RFS is under near constant attack in a variety of ways. Small refinery waivers, which would exempt applicants from blending requirements, are regularly submitted to the EPA. Since the onset of the pandemic, six governors have submitted requests for their states to be released from RFS regulations.
Yesterday (Monday), Ernst and Minnesota Senator, Amy Klobuchar, introduced the Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Investment and Market Expansion Act, a bipartisan bill that aims to expand consumer access to biofuels through USDA grants. Ernst believes it is imperative she and her colleagues remain vigilant to ensure the RFS remains whole.
