[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 212 (Wednesday, December 8, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9005-S9006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 ENERGY

  Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, while I am on the topic of energy, I would 
like to briefly comment on yesterday's announcements from the EPA and 
USDA concerning biofuels. To put it simply, the administration can't 
have it both ways on the renewable fuel standard, something agriculture 
stakeholders in South Dakota know all too well.
  Yesterday, the EPA announced a proposal to take the unprecedented 
step of clawing back previously set biofuel blending targets; 2020 
volumes would be reduced by 2\1/2\ billion gallons, and 2021 would see 
a reduction.
  Now, the EPA is trying to sell this by simultaneously proposing an 
increase in the 2022 blending volumes, which on its own would be 
favorable, but it is far from enough to make up for the lost gallons.
  And keep in mind that the EPA's proposal pulls back blending 
obligations from a final rule, giving stakeholders little confidence 
that this promised 2022 increase won't meet the

[[Page S9006]]

same fate. Again, not every component of yesterday's announcement is 
bad on its own.
  Signaling an end to the out-of-control small refinery exemption 
program is long overdue, and it is consistent with the renewable fuel 
standard and a Tenth Circuit Court ruling. It is also good to see the 
Department of Agriculture moving forward with assistance funds for 
biofuel producers, but this was funding signed into law last December. 
It is almost as if it was withheld from our producers for months so 
that USDA could help the EPA sell our ag stakeholders a bill of goods.
  I urge the administration to make good on its commitments to our 
farmers and to finally leverage American biofuels for the energy and 
environmental solutions they can provide.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Kansas.

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