Ernst, Rounds, Fischer urge Biden to support biofuels, Renewable Fuel Standard

U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and three of their colleagues last week urged President Joe Biden to uphold his campaign promises and support the biofuels industry and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

“While we are aware of the power of the oil lobby, and its efforts to influence your administration, I urge you not to bend to their demands to undercut the RFS, by either reducing annual blending obligations, or any by other means that destroys demand for clean renewable ethanol and biodiesel,” the six senators wrote in a June 30 letter sent to the president.

Citing media reports that Biden reportedly is considering bailouts for big oil refineries, the senators wrote that such action “would undermine the biofuels industry and the family farmers who rely on it,” according to their letter. 

Sens. Ernst, Rounds, Fischer and their colleagues reminded Biden of statements he made during the 2020 presidential campaign supporting the biofuels industry, as well as his intent to promote and advance renewable energy, ethanol and other biofuels.

“Apart from being inconsistent with your stated policy position on the campaign trail last year, this proposal is also contrary to your stated commitment to move our economy towards a cleaner energy future,” they wrote.

The senators also noted that America’s farmers and the biofuel industries in their states “would welcome the same access to your National Climate Advisor to discuss shared priorities.”