Fuels America launches ad campaign as RFS debate begins
July 24, 2013 | 10:52 PM
Fuels America, the coalition of renewable fuels makers, is running a new advertising campaign today as a House Energy Commerce subcommittee complete two days of hearings on the Renewable Fuels Standard and House and Senate leaders are making plans to rewrite the RFS.
The ads, which defend the RFS, are running on television, in print, online and in placements in the Washington Metro system.
The ads say that the RFS allows the United States to have control over its energy future and that diversifying fuel sources to include more renewable fuel will help increase U.S. economic and natural security and ensure a healthier environment.
Lobbyists involved in the debate say privately that Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, R-Mich., will direct his staff to start drafting reform legislation over the August recess to be ready for markup in the fall, National Journal Daily reported late Monday.
“Whether such a bill could get a vote in the House, let alone in the full committee, is an open question,” the National Journal story said.
Senate Democrats are also looking at the RFS, National Journal Daily reported late Tuesday.
The House Energy and Commerce Energy and Power Subcommittee hearings have allowed 16 witnesses on both sides of the RFS debate to present their views before legislation to change the RFS is written.
“In my view, the current system cannot stand,” Upton said at the hearing Tuesday.
“I hope we can start a discussion that considers a host of potential modifications and updates to the RFS, with the end goal being a system that works best for the American people,” Upton said.
“To do that, we need everyone to come to the table with a commitment to listen and to be constructive,” he said. “I welcome all proposals to improve the system and look forward to hearing ideas from today’s witnesses. I am especially looking forward to hearing what each stakeholder is willing to bring to the table to fix the current system. I am absolutely committed to ensuring we deliver workable reforms.”
Energy and Power Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield, R-Ky., said, “Despite the differing points of view from which stakeholders come to this issue, it is my hope that with today’s hearing we can start a process of consensus building on a path forward for the RFS.”
“This includes potential adjustments to the RFS that align the program with current energy realities,” Whitfield said.
“Many businesses and many jobs are at stake — from corn farmer to refinery worker to gas station employee to lawnmower maker to ethanol plant worker. And, just as important, the interests of consumers are directly impacted by the RFS. The end goal of this process is an RFS that works as best as possible for everyone.”
The ads, which defend the RFS, are running on television, in print, online and in placements in the Washington Metro system.
The ads say that the RFS allows the United States to have control over its energy future and that diversifying fuel sources to include more renewable fuel will help increase U.S. economic and natural security and ensure a healthier environment.
Lobbyists involved in the debate say privately that Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, R-Mich., will direct his staff to start drafting reform legislation over the August recess to be ready for markup in the fall, National Journal Daily reported late Monday.
“Whether such a bill could get a vote in the House, let alone in the full committee, is an open question,” the National Journal story said.
Senate Democrats are also looking at the RFS, National Journal Daily reported late Tuesday.
The House Energy and Commerce Energy and Power Subcommittee hearings have allowed 16 witnesses on both sides of the RFS debate to present their views before legislation to change the RFS is written.
“In my view, the current system cannot stand,” Upton said at the hearing Tuesday.
“I hope we can start a discussion that considers a host of potential modifications and updates to the RFS, with the end goal being a system that works best for the American people,” Upton said.
“To do that, we need everyone to come to the table with a commitment to listen and to be constructive,” he said. “I welcome all proposals to improve the system and look forward to hearing ideas from today’s witnesses. I am especially looking forward to hearing what each stakeholder is willing to bring to the table to fix the current system. I am absolutely committed to ensuring we deliver workable reforms.”
Energy and Power Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield, R-Ky., said, “Despite the differing points of view from which stakeholders come to this issue, it is my hope that with today’s hearing we can start a process of consensus building on a path forward for the RFS.”
“This includes potential adjustments to the RFS that align the program with current energy realities,” Whitfield said.
“Many businesses and many jobs are at stake — from corn farmer to refinery worker to gas station employee to lawnmower maker to ethanol plant worker. And, just as important, the interests of consumers are directly impacted by the RFS. The end goal of this process is an RFS that works as best as possible for everyone.”
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