WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), a strong proponent of the renewable fuel standard (RFS), released the following statement after learning of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed biofuel volume requirements for 2014 under the RFS.
“The RFS passed during the Bush administration calls for steadily increasing contributions from biofuels in our transportation fuels markets to enhance our nation’s energy security, protect the environment, and create jobs. Up until now, the RFS has supported development of a strong, domestic biorefinery industry. The 2014 targets released today, however, do just the opposite. They would cost thousands of current American jobs and undermine investments in advanced biofuels just as they are beginning to bear fruit.
“We are not at the end of this fight for homegrown renewable fuels. These numbers are only projections or proposals. As I have urged the White House, EPA should increase these targets because they ignore the clear intent of the law as well as our nation’s capacity both to produce and utilize renewable fuels. In the coming weeks, I will work with my colleagues to get these biofuels targets increased and thus reaffirm the purpose of this renewable fuel standard.”
