SC Nebraska News

Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Angie Craig (D-MN) have spearheaded a bipartisan effort by sending a letter to the newly appointed Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, Lee Zeldin. The correspondence, supported by nearly 30 colleagues, stresses the significance of the American biofuels industry in ensuring energy abundance and affordability. It also urges the EPA to provide timely and science-based guidance to uphold the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). Both Smith and Craig are co-chairs of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus.

The letter was signed by several representatives, including Mark Alford (R-MO), Don Bacon (R-NE), James Baird (R-IN), Mike Bost (R-IL), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Ron Estes (R-KS), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Mike Flood (R-NE), Sam Graves (R-MO), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-IL), Mark Messmer (R-IN), Max Miller (R-OH), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Zachary Nunn (R-IA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Derek Schmidt(R-KS ), Eric Sorensen(D - IL ), and Derrick Van Orden(R - WI ).

A portion of the letter highlights that "steady growth in U.S. biofuel production means more American fuel in the marketplace and lower prices at the pump for hardworking families who have spent years suffering under high inflation." It further emphasizes that homegrown fuels act as a safeguard against price manipulation by foreign oil exporters and contribute significantly to strengthening the farm economy. In 2023, ethanol added over $54 billion to the U.S. GDP, representing 28 percent of U.S. farming GDP while sustaining more than 394,000 jobs. The biodiesel and renewable diesel sector supports 75,200 jobs and generates $23.2 billion in annual economic activity.

The letter also calls on Administrator Zeldin to "put the RFS back on track by providing a path for growth for all biofuels" and reject any proposals that might destabilize the market. Furthermore, it urges eliminating outdated regulatory barriers so retailers nationwide can offer E15 year-round if they choose to do so.

Numerous organizations support this initiative, including Renewable Fuels Nebraska, Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Growth Energy, Renewable Fuels Association, Clean Fuels Alliance America, National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, ADM, Bayer, Darling Ingredients, POET, Green Plains, Renew Kansas, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, and Iowa Corn Growers Association.

In September last year, Representatives Smith and Craig introduced legislation aimed at enabling year-round sales of E15 across the nation. Rep. Smith has been an advocate for making ethanol blends available throughout the year.