House energy-panel leaders comment on EPA's latest Renewable Fuel Standards

The Environmental Protection Agency recently issued its overdue final Renewable Fuel Standard mandates for 2014-2016, prompting a response on Monday from House Energy and Commerce Committee leaders.

“The fact that EPA is coming out with its 2014 volumes long after the year is over and its 2015 numbers with only one month left to go is a sure sign of a program that needs fixing,” Energy and Power Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield (R-KY) said. “We need to take a look at the RFS program because EPA has not done a good job implementing it.”

In the final rule, the EPA said the addition of ethanol and other renewable fuels to the nation’s fuel supply has caused some difficulties in the system, so the agency reduced the required volumes below those set in 2007.

“The economic, technological, and environmental assumptions that gave rise to the RFS are dramatically different than the realities we face today, and it is time to finally consider updating this program,” House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI.) said. “Before we make any changes, we need to be mindful of the impact on the agricultural sector, renewable-fuel producers, refiners, automakers, fuel retailers, and other affected parties, and most importantly of all, we need to do what is best for American consumers."