Smith Reacts to EPA’s Biofuels Announcement

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement today in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) numbers for biofuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2014, 2015 and 2016.

“I am disappointed with the numbers released today by the EPA,” Smith said. “Record harvests show the supply exists, but excessive government regulation continues to prevent this clean, efficient and affordable fuel source from reaching consumers. Ironically, the EPA is blaming ‘constraints in the fuel market’ for its decision.

“In April, I introduced H.R. 1736 to expand consumer choice at the fuel pump. This legislation would extend to E15 the same waiver from EPA volatility standards already granted to E10, allowing all blends of ethanol to be sold year-round. The USDA also announced plans this week to make a large investment in blender pumps. These are exciting opportunities to boost biofuel production in our country, and the EPA must stop undermining these efforts with excessive red tape.”

Smith introduced H.R. 1736 in April to expand the existing waiver of EPA regulations related to the Reid vapor pressure of motor vehicle fuel to include E15 gasoline in addition to E10. To read more about H.R. 1736, click here.