Posted on: October 04, 2013 in E15, Gas Prices, Jobs, Renewable Fuel Standard

Bob Dinneen submitted the following letter to the editor of The Hill.

I am writing in response to Mark Perry’s article entitled “Consumers Don’t Want Ethanol.”

Mr. Perry, you couldn’t be more wrong, what consumers want is choice.

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) gives consumers choice at the pump. The RFS offers Americans E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) for drivers with flex fuel vehicles. The RFS offers Americans E15 (15% ethanol, 85% gasoline) for cars 2001 and newer. And the RFS offers Americans E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline).

A recent poll by Fuels America shows that 82% of Americans support having E15 at their local gas station.  In fact, the same poll showed that 76% want access to even higher level blends such as E20 or E30. It’s obvious that people want options.

The Renewable Fuel Standard is giving consumers more choice at the pump, and helping move America forward on many levels.

On a national level, the RFS decreases America’s dependence on foreign oil to 41%. Without ethanol that number jumps to 48%. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 40-50% compared to gasoline and contributed over $43.4 billion to the United States gross domestic product (GDP) in 2012.

On a local level, the RFS is revitalizing rural communities. It is creating jobs, often in rural communities, at a time when jobs are hard to find. It has created over 87,000 jobs and helped sustain another 295,000. It is supporting roads, schools, and first responders through more than $7.9 billion paid in federal, state and local taxes. 

On an individual level, it saves drivers money at the pump. A recent analysis done by Philip Verleger showed that ethanol has saved consumers an average of $1.00/gallon in 2012 and 2013. One dollar a gallon adds up to very visible savings for drivers. That money can be used to pay the bills or enroll children in extracurricular activities instead of flowing into the gas tank. 

After knowing all of this, why on earth would you want to repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard? As you mentioned, people can still get ethanol-free fuel, the RFS just gives them more choice.

It’s time for people to stop attacking the most effective energy policy our nation has ever seen. The answer is crystal clear, don’t mess with the RFS! 

Bob Dinneen
President and CEO
Renewable Fuels Association

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