WASHINGTON, DC — In reaction to a hearing in the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care and Entitlements, on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and the blend wall, in which no biofuels producers or stakeholders were invited to testify, Growth Energy released the following statement:

“At a time when gas prices keep going up, the House Subcommittee on Energy Policy should be looking at why these prices are consistently near record levels, instead of parading a litany of critics of the only cost-competitive alternative to oil before the committee. While the oil industry enjoys record profits and blocks any attempts for alternatives to enter the market, millions of Americans struggle to afford to fill up their cars. Even though solutions exist, the oil industry would rather distort the facts, play the blame game and erect market barriers, rather than adopt a viable solution that saves Americans money and allows for a choice and savings at the pump. 

“Today’s hearing is nothing more than a forum for those with a vested interested in not wanting to see our nation adopt an alternative to a fossil-based fuel. Instead of finding solutions to gas prices, all it accomplishes is giving a microphone for special interests to deny consumers a cost-saving choice at the pump.

“And, while some will testify today claiming that the production of ethanol results in the rise of worldwide food prices, according to a recent World Bank study, the biggest driver by far of world food prices has been crude oil—responsible for almost fifty percent  of the change in food prices since 2004.”

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About Growth Energy
Growth Energy represents the producers and supporters of ethanol who feed the world and fuel America in ways that achieve energy independence, improve economic well-being and create a healthier environment for all Americans now. For more information, please visit us at www.GrowthEnergy.org, follow us on Twitter @GrowthEnergy or connect with us on Facebook.