Groups ask Congress leaders to back RFS

A coalition of US biofuel trade organisations have urged House and Senate leaders ‘to stay the course’ on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

A drafted letter claims the RFS as the cornerstone of the association’s efforts to reduce foreign oil dependence and create jobs and economic growth across America. It also tells the Environmental Protection Agency that a waiver of RFS requirements is neither ‘desirable nor warranted’.

 ‘We understand that Congress will be reviewing a range of options for providing relief to those impacted by the drought,’ the letter also states. ‘With this deliberation in mind, we are writing to caution against any legislative changes to the RFS policy and ask your support in urging the EPA not to grant any waiver of RFS requirements.

‘A number of groups, and some governors, have asserted that the RFS is a substantial part of the equation when it comes to grain prices, and they all believe waiving the program this year or next will ease the impact of the drought on consumers. There is substantial evidence to the contrary.’

The letter also provided evidence to demonstrate that waiving the RFS will have a minimal impact on grain prices, weaken the US commitment to renewable fuels thus increasing gas prices, would cool investment in advanced biofuels and destabilise a cornerstone of the US economic recovery.

Any decision on a RFS waiver is expected to come by the middle of November.

The letter included feedback and support from associations like Biotechnology Industry Organisation and the Renewable Fuels Association.