[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 4, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E161-E162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RENEWABLE FUEL STANDARD (RFS) REFORM ACT

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 2015

  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues 
Representatives Peter Welch, Steve Womack and Jim Costa as we introduce 
the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Reform Act, a common sense solution 
to ensure that renewable fuels compete fairly in the marketplace and 
avoid causing unintended and negative consequences for American 
consumers.
  The federal government's creation of an artificial market for the 
ethanol industry has quite frankly triggered a domino effect that is 
hurting our nation's consumers, energy users, livestock producers, food 
manufacturers, retailers, and natural resources. Renewable fuels play 
an important role in our all-of-the-above energy policy, but should 
compete fairly in the marketplace and not be the beneficiary of an 
anti-competitive government mandate.

[[Page E162]]

  American families and businesses should not have to shoulder the high 
cost of an unworkable federal ethanol mandate through the Renewable 
Fuel Standard (RFS). According to the Congressional Budget Office 
(CBO), the heightened 2017 RFS requirements would increase the amount 
of total U.S. food expenditures by $3.5 billion. At the same time, the 
Department of Energy shows a decrease in fuel mileage--triggering 
increasing energy costs and lasting impacts on the environment.
  The RFS mandates that 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels be part 
of our nation's fuel supply by 2022. However, in 2014 nearly 40 percent 
of the U.S. corn crop was used for ethanol production. This is more 
than the amount of corn used to feed livestock and poultry in the 
United States.
  This is a kitchen table issue--this unworkable policy impacts every 
American family trying to make financial decisions. From food costs to 
wear and tear on the family car and other equipment many families use, 
the RFS means added costs and less money for other purchases.
  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 RFS is also hurting--not helping--to preserve our natural 
resources. The EPA has provided evidence that shows ethanol produced 33 
percent more emissions in 2012 than gasoline. The RFS is impacting the 
quality of life for all Americans. The nation has hit the ``blend 
wall'' or the point at which we can no longer blend ethanol into 
gasoline at levels safe for all engines.
  This Congress is the time for RFS reform. The momentum around this 
issue continues to grow. Last year, we found that more than 218 Members 
of Congress were on record--either by cosponsoring legislation or 
signing letters--expressing concerns about the current policy.
  The support from various stakeholders also continues to expand as the 
RFS Reform Act is endorsed by a broad spectrum of groups representing 
livestock, small engines, taxpayers, restaurants, boats, food 
manufacturing, environmental issues, and food aid. I urge my colleagues 
to join me in support of the Renewable Fuel Standard Reform Act to 
address the increasing costs of this broken federal policy impacting 
our nation's citizens.

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