Washington, DC - Bipartisan legislation introduced today to eliminate the federal requirement to blend corn ethanol into gasoline would help pave the way for greener biofuels and lessen the burden on the environment, said Environmental Working Group Policy Analyst Mike Lavender.
The Renewable Fuel Standard Reform Act was introduced by Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R- Va.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Steve Womack (R-Ark.). The bill would repeal a mandate that currently requires that up to 15 billion gallons a year of corn- based ethanol be blended into gasoline under a program known as the Renewable Fuel Standard.
“To date, the Renewable Fuel Standard has failed to deliver on its promise of environmentally friendly biofuels, leaving our air and water at risk,” Lavender said. “According to EPA’s own analysis, corn ethanol results in more greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline. Additionally, the EPA’s inspector general has concluded that the Renewable Fuel Standard is a significant cause of water pollution in the Mississippi River Basin and Gulf of Mexico.
“The Renewable Fuel Standard Reform Act is the logical next step to reduce the harm that corn ethanol does to our environment, while simultaneously making space for truly green biofuels that lower greenhouse gas emissions. EWG thanks Congressmen Goodlatte, Welch, Costa and Womack for their leadership.”
