Frank Macchiarola, the American Petroleum Institute's (API) group director of downstream and industry operations, said recently that Congress should repeal or at least update the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which calls for a steady increase in ethanol-blend fuels, to correspond with the nation's booming energy industry.
“The RFS is public policy at its worst and may harm American consumers,” Macchiarola said. “The United States is now the number one producer of oil and natural gas in the world. It is well past time to reform this outdated energy policy to reflect today’s energy reality."
Macchiarola also talked about ethanol's toll on consumers' auto health and how it may even affect dealership warranties.
“Extensive testing by the automotive and oil industries shows higher ethanol blends mandated by the RFS may result in damaged engines and fuel systems for owners of a majority of cars on the road today," Macchiarola said. "And automakers have warned these fuels could void new car warranties."
Macchiarola said the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is out of touch with today's realities and calls on Congress to protect consumers.
“Despite a lack of market demand, vehicle compatibility and additional consumer costs associated with this mandate, EPA continues to implement increased ethanol volumes," Macchiarola said. "This policy is outdated, and this program is broken. It is time for Congress to step in and fix it.”
Alerts Sign-up