WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor thanked Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), and Ron Kind (D-Wis.) for introducing the Defend the Blend Act. This legislation would prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from retroactively reducing past Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) which have already been finalized.
“We thank these Representatives for introducing the Defend the Blend Act, legislation that would offer more certainty in the marketplace, especially as we await the 2021 and 2022 RVOs from EPA,” said Skor. “The Renewable Fuel Standard was put into place to blend more low-carbon biofuels into our nation’s transportation fuel supply and includes a built-in mechanism that adjusts for any changes in fuel demand. Retroactively changing RVO levels is completely unwarranted. It is unnecessary, adds uncertainty to the marketplace, and far exceeds EPA’s legal authority.”
Other original cosponsors include Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Mike Bost (R-Ill.), Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), Cindy Axne (D-Iowa), Jim Baird (R-Ind.), Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.), Jake LaTurner (R-Kan.), and Darin LaHood (R-Ill.).
Background
Earlier this fall, rumors circulated that EPA was considering retroactively reducing the 2020 RVO. “If these rumors are true,” responded Skor, “this would be backpaddling on the president’s commitments (to) uphold the RFS.” The EPA has never retroactively adjusted previously finalized RVOs.