Thune-sponsored bipartisan bill supports accurate comparisons of fuels

A bipartisan bill proposed this week by U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-SD) would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to update its greenhouse gas modeling for all renewable fuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to ensure accurate and consistent comparisons of fuels. 

“It’s past time for the EPA to update its greenhouse gas modeling for all biofuels, which would more accurately reflect the emissions reductions achieved by ethanol, biodiesel, and sustainable aviation fuel,” Sen. Thune said. “This would not only underscore how homegrown biofuels can be a cleaner part of our energy security and environmental policy, driving value for South Dakota farmers, but also make biofuel exports more attractive to countries seeking to lower their transportation emissions.”

The Adopt the Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Transportation model Act, also known as the Adopt GREET Act, S. 3055, would specifically require the EPA administrator to update the modeling used for lifecycle greenhouse gas assessments for RFS-approved fuel pathways, according to the text of the bill.

Sen. Thune sponsored S. 3055 alongside seven original cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). The bill is now under consideration by the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

“It is critical that the EPA’s greenhouse gas modeling for biofuels be updated to fully reflect the newest science and technology,” said Sen. Klobuchar, the lead original cosponsor of the bill. “This legislation will allow us to fully recognize how ethanol, biodiesel, and sustainable aviation fuel can contribute to our emissions reduction goals while expanding and promoting the use of clean energy and rural jobs across the country.”

The legislation is supported by the Renewable Fuels Association, the American Coalition for Ethanol, Growth Energy, POET, Gevo, the National Corn Growers Association, and the National Oilseed Processors Association.