20th Anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard Marks Two Decades of Energy Security, Economic Growth, and Environmental Progress

Strategic Insights -

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has revolutionized the US energy landscape since its inception in August 2005. This landmark policy has empowered America's biofuel industry, fostering energy security, reducing emissions, and driving economic growth in rural communities. As the RFS celebrates its 20th anniversary, industry leaders, lawmakers, and farmers hail its success, noting the policy's profound impact on the nation's energy trajectory.

Key Takeaways:

  • The RFS has driven the production of over 250 billion gallons of ethanol since its inception, with American biorefineries purchasing 92.7 billion bushels of corn in the same time period.
  • The biofuels industry has generated over $425 billion in revenue for American farmers, making the RFS a vital outlet for surplus grains and providing stability and prosperity to rural communities.
  • The RFS has supported hundreds of thousands of rural jobs and has shielded American drivers from volatility in global oil markets.
  • Today, more than 10 percent of U.S. fuel supplies come from renewable sources like ethanol, representing billions of gallons in savings.
  • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed increasing biofuel blending to the highest volume in the program's history.
  • A broad, bipartisan spectrum of stakeholders supports the RFS, recognizing its impact on energy security, economic growth, and environmental progress.
  • Legislative leaders, including Senators Tammy Duckworth, Joni Ernst, and Deb Fischer, and Representatives Nikki Budzinski, Randy Feenstra, Ashley Hinson, Max Miller, and Eric Sorensen, have pledged to continue supporting the RFS, advocating for policies like nationwide, year-round E15 and expanding the use of biofuels.

Statistics:

  • Since the RFS became law in 2005, American biorefineries have produced over 250 billion gallons of ethanol.
  • During the same period, American biorefineries have purchased 92.7 billion bushels of corn.
  • The biofuels industry has generated over $425 billion in revenue for American farmers.
  • The RFS has supported hundreds of thousands of rural jobs.
  • More than 10 percent of U.S. fuel supplies come from renewable sources like ethanol.
  • The proposed increase in biofuel blending represents billions of gallons in savings.

Sources:

  • Growth Energy
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • Senators Tammy Duckworth, Joni Ernst, and Deb Fischer
  • Representatives Nikki Budzinski, Randy Feenstra, Ashley Hinson, Max Miller, and Eric Sorensen