11.15.13

Durbin Statement on New EPA Renewable Standard Proposal

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today made the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposal to reduce the renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

“The Renewable Fuel Standard has long been a successful driver of investment in the biofuels industry – a key tool in domestic energy independence – which supports more than 5,400 direct jobs in Illinois alone.  Reducing the standard as the EPA proposed today would be a mistake,” said Durbin.  “The future of Illinois’ rural economy and our nation’s long term energy goals depend on this industry.  I continue to oppose effort to undermine the renewable fuels standard and will work with my colleagues to protect these important Illinois jobs.”

 

Yesterday, 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.