Thank you for contacting me regarding renewable fuel standards. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.
On March 17, 2017, Representative Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) introduced H.R. 1315, the RFS Reform Act. This bill would amend the Clean Air Act to eliminate certain requirements under the renewable fuel program and prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from approving the introduction into commerce of gasoline that contains greater than 10-volume-percent ethanol. This bill has also been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
As you know, the RFS program was created under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, mandating the blending of 7.5 billion gallons of renewable fuel into gasoline by 2012. The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 expanded the RFS program to include diesel (in addition to gasoline), increased the volume of renewable fuel requirements for 2022, and set separate volume requirements for new categories of renewable fuel.
I understand your concern regarding the negative economic impacts of the RFS program and, in particular, the wide range of problems with ethanol. Although it is touted as a cleaner fuel option, questions remain regarding its actual environmental impact, as well as the large-scale ethanol production impact on food prices. Many also point to numerous tests highlighting E15’s harmful effects on engines and their components.
While the United States should use all of its resources to promote energy independence, reservations about the prudence of the RFS program persist. I will continue to investigate this issue, and will keep your thoughts in mind as the United States Congress considers legislative action related to the Renewable Fuel Standard.
Again, thank you for expressing your thoughts on this important issue. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff if I can be of assistance in the future. It is an honor and a privilege to serve Western Pennsylvania in the United States Congress.
If you would like to hear more from me on this issue and others, please subscribe to my newsletter at www.kelly.house.gov.
Sincerely, 
Mike Kelly
Member of Congress