AESI launched to increase support for RFS

A new group aimed at building and expanding support for the US Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has been launched by former Senator Jim Talent. Americans for Energy Security and Innovation (AESI) will focus its efforts on building support for a stronger RFS to reduce dependence on foreign oil and stimulate domestic innovation and economic development in the biofuels sector.

'I believe that biofuels are the most feasible replacement for oil as automobile fuel, and that we need a strong RFS so that private investors can develop the biofuels industry with adequate assurance that their potential market won't be destroyed by manipulations from the foreign oil cartel.'

The RFS has been a successful policy over the past decade – with 10% of the nation's fuel supply now coming from cost-competitive biofuels. However, the Obama Administration's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took a step backwards in May when it proposed the annual blending targets to lower levels than were intended when the RFS was enacted into law.

'The Obama Administration's justification for these lowered levels use criteria that are not included in the EPA's clearly defined statutory waiver authority. The RFS has been the only consistent and effective energy policy that Washington has produced. Yet, the Obama Administration plans to axe the only policy we have on the books that actually works to wean us off our dependence on fuels controlled by foreign oil cartels, while creating jobs at home,' Talent adds.

AESI says it will work to create an environment to prevent regulations and restrictions to the renewable fuel industry by increasing support and mobilising elected officials to support its efforts.