12.11.13

Durbin: Biofuels Critical to Achieving Energy Independence, Protecting Our Environment, and Supportin Rural Economy

Senate EPW Committee holds hearing today examining EPA Renewable Fuel Standard Proposal

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Following an oversight hearing today held by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to examine the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal reduce the renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today reiterated his commitment to working with his Congressional colleagues and Illinois’ industry stakeholders to improve the proposal. The biofuels industry is a major job creator, especially in rural areas, and directly supports 5,400 jobs in Illinois alone.

“Today, the Senate Environment and Public Works committee held an oversight hearing on a concerning proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency to waive the Renewable Fuels Standard. If the proposed rule is made final, it would undermine a successful policy tool that supports energy independence, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and stabilizes our rural economy. That is why I am working with like-minded Senators on both sides of the aisle to urge the EPA to reconsider this rule before it is finalized,” Durbin said. “We have come too far to take this giant step backward. Biofuels are an important part of our energy future and the right path forward for our country.”

 

In November, Durbin joined with thirty-one members of the U.S. Senate in sending a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Office of Management and Budget Director Sylvia Mathews Burwell encouraging the agencies not to decrease the RFS.  That letter can be accessed here.  In late October, Durbin sent a similar letter to Burwell which can be accessed here.