The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) legislative counsel Jonathon Lehman testifies today (Aug. 1) on behalf of the organization during the public hearing in Washington, D.C. on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) for the 2018 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
“As an advisor to Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, Lehman helped develop and craft the original version of the RFS that was eventually enacted by Congress in 2005. As such, Jonathon is uniquely qualified to help EPA understand that strong blending targets are needed to help restore confidence to the rural economy and reassure retailers that it makes sense to offer E15 and flex fuels like E30 and E85 to their customers,” said Brian Jennings, Executive Vice President of ACE.
Jennings also praised Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds for testifying today. “We thank Governor Ricketts and Governor Reynolds for their strong public support for keeping the RFS on track,” Jennings said. “They understand the importance of the renewable fuels industry and a properly functioning RFS, which play a significant role in their home state economies.”
Lehman’s testimony highlights points that will be detailed in ACE’s written comments to the proposed rule. Four of the issues include: (1) conventional biofuel levels; (2) discussion of the general waiver authority as it relates to inadequate domestic supply; (3) the use of the reset provisions; and (4) updating the greenhouse gas modeling for corn ethanol as it relates to Brazilian sugarcane ethanol.
“Enactment of the RFS in 2005 restarted a teetering rural economy in the early 2000s,” Lehman said. “Ensuring a properly functioning RFS and increasing demand for renewable fuels in 2018 and beyond is critical to the economic success in rural America. Maintaining 15 billion gallons in 2018 is critical to this effort.”
Lehman was joined by at least 14 others who testified on behalf of ACE member companies or organizations.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s comment period on the proposed RVOs is open until the end of the month, August 31. ACE has a Legislative Action Center, which it encourages industry advocates to utilize to submit comments.
