Rep. Darin LaHood
The bipartisan Next Generation Fuels Act of 2021, which is cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL), would promote low-carbon, high-octane fuels to protect public health and improve vehicle efficiency and performance.
“I am proud to support the Next Generation Fuels Act, which will build off the success of the Renewable Fuel Standard to provide cleaner, more efficient energy solutions while supporting Illinois agriculture producers,” the congressman said on Tuesday.
Rep. LaHood on Aug. 24 introduced H.R. 5089 with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Cherie Bustos (D-IL) and five fellow original cosponsors to establish a high-octane, low-carbon fuel standard that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enable greater engine efficiency, and encourage competition.
If enacted, H.R. 5089 also would address regulatory impediments that have slowed the commercialization of these fuels and the vehicles that utilize them, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. LaHood’s staff.
“Biofuels, particularly ethanol, continue to be a vital market for our corn farmers in central and west-central Illinois,” Rep. LaHood said. “Rural communities across the Midwest have seen the benefits of increased ethanol production through expanded job opportunities and increased markets to sell their products.”
Specifically, H.R. 5089 would require the Environmental Protection Agency to create a new 95 Research Octane Number (RON) standard that would rise to 98 RON after 2031. The new standard would update fuel and infrastructure regulations to expand the availability of ethanol blends up to E40, while requiring automobile manufacturers to design and warrant their vehicles for the use of these fuels beginning with the model year 2026, according to Rep. LaHood’s bill summary.
The measure has garnered support from Mark Marquis, CEO of Marquis Energy; Bill Leigh, former president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association and a Minonk, Ill., farmer; and Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor.