Bustos Statement On Epa’s Delay Of Renewable Fuel Standard Decision

Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement that they will delay issuing a new Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) rule in 2014:

“Today’s announcement from the EPA that they will delay issuing a new Renewable Fuel Standard rule this year is a mixed blessing. While those who support their families through our region’s biofuels industry deserve certainty, it is my hope that this delay will allow the EPA to change course from their devastating initial proposal. The proposed rule not only has the potential to hurt Illinois farmers, rural communities and our state’s economy, but needlessly boost gas prices and increase our dependence on foreign oil. I will continue to fight for the health of our region’s economy and our nation’s energy security by standing with both Democrats and Republicans in support of biofuels in the coming weeks and months.”

Bustos has been a strong supporter of Illinois biofuels, toured ethanol facilities in the region and recognizes the important role the industry plays in rural economies. In January, Bustos led a bipartisan group of 30 Members of Congress in sending a letter to the EPA expressing concern with the proposed RFS Rule and met with EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to personally share her concerns and the concerns of her constituents. Bustos also met with senior officials at the White House to discuss the importance of the RFS in April and protested the EPA proposal on the floor of the House of Representatives.

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