Rooney introduces bill to repeal the RFS

June 27, 2019

BY Erin Krueger

Rep. Francis Rooney, R-Fla., introduced legislation June 21 that aims to eliminate the Renewable Fuel Standard. Rooney cited the impact of ethanol on boat engines and the U.S. EPA’s rule to allow year-round E15 sales as the reasons for his action.

The legislation, titled the “Eliminating the RFS and its Destructive Outcomes Act,” or H.R. 3427, was introduced June 21 and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. To date Reps. Chris Stewart, R-Utah; Tom McClintock, R-Calif.; Mark Meadows, R-N.C.; Lance Gooden, R-Texas; Ted Budd, R-N.C.; Jody Hice, R-Ga.; and Chip Roy, R-Texas, have signed on to cosponsor the bill.

In a statement released June 26, Rooney alleges ethanol-based fuels have increased U.S. fuel prices and said “the RFS has wreaked havoc on boat engines and small engines which are vital to the Florida economy.” He also claimed the EPA’s recent action to allow year-round E15 sales will damage marine vessels. The fuel blend, however, is approved for use only in mode year 2001 and newer vehicles and is clearly labeled as not for use in marine or small engines.

Advertisement

Advertisement

A full copy of Rooney’s statement is available on his website.

 

Advertisement

Advertisement

Related Stories

The U.S. EPA on July 8 hosted virtual public hearing to gather input on the agency’s recently released proposed rule to set 2026 and 2027 RFS RVOs. Members of the biofuel industry were among those to offer testimony during the event.

Read More

The USDA’s Risk Management Agency is implementing multiple changes to the Camelina pilot insurance program for the 2026 and succeeding crop years. The changes will expand coverage options and provide greater flexibility for producers.

Read More

President Trump on July 4 signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The legislation extends and updates the 45Z credit and revives a tax credit benefiting small biodiesel producers but repeals several other bioenergy-related tax incentives.

Read More

CARB on June 27 announced amendments to the state’s LCFS regulations will take effect beginning on July 1. The amended regulations were approved by the agency in November 2024, but implementation was delayed due to regulatory clarity issues.

Read More

SAF Magazine and the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative announced the preliminary agenda for the North American SAF Conference and Expo, being held Sept. 22-24 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Read More

Upcoming Events

Sign up for our e-newsletter!

Advertisement

Advertisement