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Next Gen Fuels Act architect optimistic about path forward

The architect of the Next Generation Fuels Act is hopeful the legislation gets passed this year.

Former Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, who retired at the end of her last term, says the right people support the bill she introduced in the last Congress.

“We have a lead Democrat, Angie Craig from the state of Minnesota, and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, a Republican from Iowa, who are the lead sponsors on the House side. In the Senate, we have Amy Klobuchar, Senator from Minnesota, and (Iowa Senator) Chuck Grassley.”

The Next Generation Fuels Act would transition the transportation sector toward low-carbon, higher octane fuels like ethanol.

Speaking to Brownfield at the National Ethanol Conference in Orlando last week, Bustos called Congress very divided.

“We’ve already seen some of the disfunction on full display (so) can they shepherd this (bill) through? Can they get enough bipartisan support?”

She says the bill first needs to pass out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, then the House and Senate could work out differences before a full vote.