Posted on: October 04, 2013 in Gas Prices, Jobs, Renewable Fuel Standard

Bob Dinneen submitted the following letter to the editor of the Daytona Beach News-Journal.

I am writing in response to the editorial published in the Daytona Beach News-Journal entitled “Future Ethanol Mandates Would be Bad for Economy.”

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was implemented by both Republicans and Democrats, with the support of the oil industry in 2005. It was later expanded in 2007 and is the most successful energy policy in American history.

Under the RFS, ethanol has decreased American foreign oil dependence to 41%, as opposed to 48% without ethanol. Ethanol decreases greenhouse gas emissions by 40-50%. And last, but certainly not least, it has saved consumers money at the pump. A recent analysis by energy economist Philip K. Verleger shows that ethanol production saved consumers an average of $1.00/gallon in 2012 and 2013.

Currently E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline) is blended in 97% of America’s gasoline supply. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved E15 (15% ethanol, 85% gasoline) as a fuel choice, not an obligation. Yet Big Oil is fighting the RFS and the implementation of the higher level fuel blend because more ethanol means less gasoline, leading to a sharp decrease in their profits.

The RFS helps consumers, communities, and the nation as a whole. Don’t mess with the RFS! It has created 87,292 direct jobs and supported over 295,000 jobs. It has revitalized rural communities and gave back $7.9 billion in federal, state and local taxes, which goes towards roads, schools, and first responders. Last year, ethanol generated more than $43.4 billion towards the US Gross Domestic Product.

The RFS saves consumers money, decreases foreign oil dependence, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, creates jobs, and helps local communities. What more do you want?

Bob Dinneen
President and CEO
Renewable Fuels Association

« More Blog Posts