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Ethanol industry pressures administration on RFS

The ethanol industry is stepping up its pressure on the Obama administration in hopes of obtaining a favorable outcome on the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS).

The industry is launching a major advertising campaign this week in the nation’s capital. It’s trying to sway the administration as it contemplates the biofuels volume requirements in the RFS.

Bob Dineen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, says the choices are “very clear”.

“American innovation, or oil industry profits.  Low carbon fuels, or fracking. Value-added market for farmers and jobs across rural America, or imports.  A sustainable energy future, or a return to the failed energy policies of the past,” Dinneen says.

Dinneen accuses the petroleum industry of trying to weaken the RFS.  But he says this is not a market or consumer issue.

“This is a clear case of an incumbent industry unwilling to acknowledge a changing landscape and trying desperately to hang onto its monopoly. Refusing to make investments in infrastructure or allow franchisees to offer consumers a lower-priced, higher-octane, renewable fuel.”

The EPA’s proposed rulemaking for the 2014, 2015 and 2016 RFS volume requirements is currently being reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget, the final step before the rules are released for public review.  The EPA has set a June 1st deadline for the proposed rules to be announced.

AUDIO:  Biofuels leaders conference call with media